This isn’t your usual tokwa’t baboy that we enjoy with lugaw at our favorite gotohan. I came up with my own tofu sisig version, putting tofu in the spotlight and adding a special dressing to make it extra tasty. It’s a lighter option that still hits the spot, perfect for when you want something delicious without feeling too heavy.
So if you’re a fan of Max’s famous tofu sisig, I’m pretty sure you’ll love this too! It’s got the same great flavors (minus the meat), and I guarantee you’ll keep digging in until the last bite.
What is Tofu Sisig?
Tofu sisig is a tasty twist on the classic Filipino sisig, which is usually made with pork. Instead of using meat, this version features tofu as the main ingredient. It’s cooked until crispy and then mixed with a zesty dressing, often including ingredients like onions, chili peppers, and calamansi, to give it that signature sisig flavor. It’s a great choice for those looking for a lighter, plant-based alternative that still packs a punch of flavor. If you love the savory, tangy taste of traditional sisig but want to switch things up, tofu sisig is definitely worth a try!
I used to make this tofu sisig to serve as a dish that goes perfectly with a cold beer—what we call here as “pulutan.” I’ll make it spicy to add an extra kick that pairs wonderfully with our favorite drink. But mostly, my wife would request it any time of the week because, why not? It’s budget-friendly, delicious, and healthy.
Can I Include Meat in this Tofu Sisig?
Yes, you can definitely include meat in tofu sisig if you like! While the traditional tofu sisig focuses on a plant-based approach, adding meat can give it a richer flavor and texture. You might add some cooked pork or chicken along with the tofu, or even mix in small bits of crispy bacon for an extra kick. Just adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors and make sure everything is cooked evenly. It’s a versatile dish, so feel free to customize it to suit your taste!
Tofu Sisig Ingredients
- Tofu (cubed): This firm tofu gives the dish a hearty, meaty feel and soaks up all the great flavors. It’s the perfect base for your sisig.
- Cooking Oil: Used to fry the tofu until it’s crispy and to cook the vegetables. It helps everything get a nice golden color.
- Garlic (minced) and Onion (diced): These are the flavor basics. They’re sautéed together to bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to the dish.
- Red Bell Pepper and Green Bell Pepper (diced): These peppers add a pop of color and a sweet crunch. They make the dish more vibrant and flavorful.
- Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: These sauces add a rich, savory taste. Soy sauce brings saltiness, while oyster sauce adds a hint of sweetness and extra depth.
- Calamansi Juice / Lemon Juice: This adds a refreshing tanginess that brightens up the dish. It balances the rich flavors and adds a nice zing.
- Black Pepper (ground): Adds a bit of heat and spice to the dish. It enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming it.
- Mayonnaise: Gives the dish a creamy texture and a slight tang. It helps mix everything together and makes it rich and satisfying.
- Sugar: A little bit of sugar balances out the savory and tangy flavors. It helps mellow the tastes and makes everything blend nicely.
- Red Chili (chopped): Adds a spicy kick to the dish. You can adjust how much you use based on how hot you like your food.
- Green Onions (chopped, for garnish): Adds a fresh crunch and a burst of color. They give a nice, mild sharpness to finish off the dish.
How To Cook Tofu Sisig?
Prepare the Tofu
First, drain the tofu and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dice it into small cubes for even cooking.
Fry the Tofu
Heat some cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the tofu cubes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once done, set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any extra oil.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add a bit more cooking oil. Sauté the minced garlic until it smells great and the onions become translucent.
Cook the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly tender.
Add the Tofu and Sauce
Return the crispy tofu to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and calamansi or lemon juice. Season with ground black pepper and a pinch of salt to taste. Stir everything well to coat the tofu and vegetables with the sauce.
Mix in the Mayonnaise
Now, add the mayonnaise and sugar. Stir until the tofu and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Add a Spicy Kick
If you like some heat, mix in the chopped red chili. Give everything a good mix and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve the Dish
Transfer your tofu sisig to a serving dish and garnish with chopped scallions. Enjoy your flavorful, crispy tofu sisig!
Tips on Cooking Tofu Sisig
Press the Tofu
Before cooking, press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu get crispy when fried and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Use High Heat for Frying
Make sure your oil is hot before adding the tofu. This ensures the tofu cubes get a nice, crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.
Customize the Spice Level
Adjust the amount of chopped red chili based on your spice preference. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to avoid making the dish too hot.
Mix Sauces Well
When adding soy sauce and oyster sauce, make sure to stir thoroughly so that all the tofu and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful sauces.
Add Mayonnaise Last
To keep the mayonnaise from separating or becoming too thick, add it towards the end of cooking. This helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients without breaking down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Freezing tofu sisig is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the tofu and vegetables. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Tofu sisig pairs well with steamed rice or as a side dish with other Filipino dishes. It’s also a great standalone snack or appetizer.
If calamansi juice isn’t available, lemon or lime juice can be used as a substitute for a similar tangy flavor.
If the dish turns out too salty, balance it with a bit more sugar or add a splash of water to dilute the saltiness.
Tofu Sisig
Ingredients
- 1 block Tofu firm(cubed)
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 piece Onion large(diced)
- 1 piece Red Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 piece Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Calamansi Juice / Lemon Juice
- ½ tsp Black Pepper (ground)
- 3 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 piece Red Chili (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Scallions (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Drain the tofu and pat it dry with paper towels. Dice the tofu into small cubes.
- Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the tofu cubes until golden brown and crispy. Set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Sauté the garlic until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the red and green bell peppers, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender.
- Add the fried tofu back into the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and calamansi or lemon juice. Season with ground black pepper and salt to taste. Stir well to coat the tofu and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
- Add the mayonnaise and sugar. Stir well to coat the tofu and vegetables evenly with the mayonnaise.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, add the chopped red chili at this stage. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the Tofu Sisig to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped scallions.
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