Two Way Tofu: 5 Silken And Fried Appetisers With Drink Pairings For Your Next House Party
There are many different Asian-inspired appetisers that are making the rounds in contemporary home hosting events, and one core ingredient used to prepare these small bites which stands out for its sheer versatility is tofu.
Be it silken tofu or deep fried crispy tofu, small chunks of this ingredient can take in lots of different flavours which makes it a favoured choice for a culinary enthusiast dabbling with myriad Asian sauces and dips. And the appetisers that are born out of this culinary practice can be paired with a number of different cocktails too at an intimate gathering or dinner party hosted at home.
Read on below to know more about some of the silken and fried tofu small bites that can be prepared and served at your next house party coupled with some fresh, aromatic and tangy cocktails:
Chilled Silken Tofu With Scallions And Sesame Oil
Recommended Pairing: Sake Spritzer
One of the appetisers that can be prepared to bring out the umami and savoury notes in silken tofu is a preparation which involves tossing this protein in a bowl upon seasoning it with a drizzle of sesame oil, light soy, some finely chopped scallions and a sprinkling of chilli. Such silken tofu served chilled can be paired with a crisp and light spritzer prepared using 30 ml good quality dry sake topped off with 60 ml soda water. This drink can be garnished with a cucumber ribbon to mirror the elegance and simplicity of the tofu appetiser.
Tofu Skewers with Peanut Satay Glaze
Recommended Pairing: Tamarind Whisky Sour
Another interesting small bite inspired by Asian flavours are tofu skewers prepared by placing char grilled tofu on a platter with a peanut glaze drizzle that is traditionally paired with satay. Such an earthy and umami dish complete with the nutty notes of peanut sauce can then be brought together with a classic whisky sour infused with tangy tamarind. This drink prepared using 30 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label or any other premium whisky of choice will go well with the deep and smoky flavours of the peanut glaze and grilled tofu.
Fried Tofu Cubes With Sweet Chilli Sauce
Recommended Pairing: Thai Basil Lemongrass Mojito
A fried tofu appetiser, this recipe involves tossing crispy chunks of deep fried tofu in a sweet chilli sauce to bring together its earthy and deep flavours with the sweet, spicy and tangy flavours of the Asian dip. This dish complete with a crunchy texture can be paired with an aromatic Thai basil and lemongrass mojito prepared using 30 ml premium white rum and a mix of these muddled herbs that infuse the drink with crisp, fresh and complex herbal flavours.
Tofu And Seaweed Tempura
Recommended Pairing: Yuzu Gin Fizz
Prepare tofu tempura coated in seaweed or nori at your next house party for a mix of savoury and briny flavours coupled with an audibly crunchy texture. This rich appetiser served with a soy dipping sauce and a side of wasabi can be paired with the savoury, tangy and herbaceous notes of a yuzu gin fizz crafted using 30 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice. The combination of crunchy textures and savoury flavours of the appetiser and the fresh, fizzy and acidic qualities of gin fizz offers an interesting coming together of lightly contrasting tasting notes.
Mapo Silken Tofu Spoons
Recommended Pairing: Red Wine Sangria
Yet another delicious tofu small bite suitable for a gathering at home is a spicy Sichuan-style silken tofu served on little soup spoons that are arranged aesthetically on ceramic platters. This spicy dish topped off with chilli oil and some green onions can be paired with a fruity red wine sangria made using 30 ml of a good quality red which cuts through some of the denser umami and spicy notes in the dish to lend a tart and tangy finish to the overall pairing.
Also Read: 5 Korean Appetisers Beyond Kimchi To Pair With Cocktails
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
