Sisig Tofu Recipe

A meatless twist on the classic Filipino sizzling favorite! This Sisig Tofu is crispy, savory, and packed with flavor—perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a lighter version of the beloved pulutan.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 3-4

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Ingredients

For the Tofu:

• 400g firm tofu, cubed
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil (for pan-frying)

For the Sisig:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 pieces calamansi (or 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 piece siling labuyo, chopped (optional, for heat)
• Salt to taste
• 1 egg (optional, for topping)
• Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

1. Drain the tofu and gently press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy tofu.
2. Cut the tofu into small cubes, roughly 1-inch pieces.
3. Let the cubed tofu sit on paper towels for another 5-10 minutes to dry out further.

Step 2: Pan-Fry the Tofu

1. Heat cooking oil in a non-stick pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer—do not overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if needed.
3. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes total. Flip occasionally for even browning.
4. Once crispy, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
2. Sauté the onions until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Combine and Season

1. Return the crispy tofu to the pan with the sautéed aromatics.
2. Add the soy sauce and toss everything together.
3. Squeeze in the calamansi juice and mix well.
4. Season with ground black pepper and salt to taste.
5. Add the chopped siling labuyo if you prefer some heat.
6. Stir in the mayonnaise and mix until everything is well coated. The mayo adds that signature creamy richness to the sisig.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer to a sizzling plate if available, or serve directly on a hot plate.
2. Top with a raw or fried egg in the center (optional).
3. Garnish with chopped spring onions.
4. Serve immediately while hot, with steamed rice on the side.

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Tips for the Best Sisig Tofu

• Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Silken tofu will fall apart during frying.
• Press your tofu properly. The drier the tofu, the crispier it gets. You can even freeze and thaw the tofu beforehand for an even meatier texture.
• Don’t skip the mayo. It’s the secret ingredient that makes sisig creamy and rich. Lady’s Choice works perfectly for this dish.
• Use a cast iron or sizzling plate for that authentic restaurant-style presentation and to keep the sisig hot longer.
• Adjust the calamansi according to your preference. Some like it tangier, so feel free to add more.

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Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftover sisig tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the tofu will lose some of its crispiness once stored.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a hot pan or skillet over medium-high heat to restore some crispiness. Avoid using the microwave as it will make the tofu rubbery and soft.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this dish as the texture of the tofu and the overall quality will significantly change once thawed.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can fry the tofu cubes ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and toss with freshly sautéed aromatics and seasonings for the best texture.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sisig Tofu is proof that going meatless doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and just as satisfying as the original pork version. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish with rice or as a pulutan for your next inuman session, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on social media and let us know how it turned out!