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Crispy Tofu Sisig is a delightful vegetarian twist on the traditional Filipino Sisig. The crispy tofu cubes are sautéed with garlic, onion, and fresh chilies, then combined with a creamy mayo sauce for added richness. Topped with calamansi and optionally an egg, this dish is savory, spicy, and perfect when served with rice. It’s a great dish for vegetarians or anyone looking to try a different take on a classic Filipino favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

45g canola oil (for frying)
500g tofu, cut into small cubes (about ½ inch)
30g red onion, chopped
15g garlic, chopped
1 piece bird’s eye chili (siling labuyo)
80g long green chili (siling pangsigang)
Knorr Liquid Seasoning, to taste
45–60g Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise
2 pieces calamansi (or to taste)

Directions

Heat a shallow pan and fill it with canola oil. Once the oil reaches high heat and small bubbles form, deep fry the tofu cubes until they are brown and crispy.
In a separate pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add the fried tofu cubes and both types of chilies (bird’s eye chili and long green chili). Toss and mix the ingredients well.
Season with Knorr Liquid Seasoning according to your taste. Turn off the heat.
Add the Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise and mix thoroughly until everything is well-coated.
Serve with calamansi and an optional egg. Enjoy with a big serving of rice!

Nutrients (per serving, approximate)

Calories: ~320
Total Fat: ~18g
Saturated Fat: ~2g
Cholesterol: ~10mg
Sodium: ~600mg
Total Carbohydrates: ~25g
Sugars: ~4g
Protein: ~14g

The Origins of Sisig and Why Tofu Works So Well

Sisig originated in Pampanga, a province in the Philippines known for its rich culinary traditions. Traditional sisig is made from parts of a pig’s head, often including cheeks, ears, and snout, which are boiled, seasoned, and then chopped into small pieces. The dish is then grilled or fried to achieve a crispy, flavorful texture, and often served sizzling on a hot plate. Over the years, sisig has evolved, with many modern variations incorporating different meats or even seafood.

In this vegetarian version, tofu takes the place of meat, offering a similar texture and absorbing all the savory, spicy, and tangy flavors of the dish. Tofu, particularly when fried to a crispy golden brown, has a satisfying texture that mimics the crunchiness found in traditional sisig. It’s the perfect plant-based protein that doesn’t overpower the dish but complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Tofu also serves as a neutral base, allowing the bold seasonings, chilies, and mayo sauce to shine through. It’s an ideal choice for replicating the satisfaction and heartiness of the original sisig while keeping the dish light, healthy, and suitable for vegetarians.

A Flavor Explosion: Combining Savory, Spicy, and Tangy Elements

The key to a great Crispy Tofu Sisig is the harmonious balance of flavors. The tofu is first deep-fried to golden perfection, which creates a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. This provides a wonderful texture contrast to the sautéed vegetables and the creamy mayo sauce.

The sautéed onions and garlic create the base of the flavor profile. Once cooked, they release a sweet and savory aroma that forms the heart of the dish. The bird’s eye chili (siling labuyo) and long green chili (siling pangsigang) add heat and spice, giving the dish its characteristic kick. The bird’s eye chili is known for its intense heat, while the long green chili offers a milder, more aromatic spice that balances out the stronger flavors.

Knorr Liquid Seasoning, a Filipino umami-rich seasoning, adds a savory depth to the dish. It’s a key ingredient in many Filipino recipes, contributing a salty, savory flavor that enhances the other ingredients without overwhelming them.

The mayo sauce brings richness and creaminess, binding all the ingredients together. It adds a smooth texture that complements the crunchy tofu, while also helping to tone down the spiciness of the chilies. The mayo is the perfect finishing touch that brings the dish together into a creamy, indulgent, and flavorful experience.

Finally, the addition of calamansi provides a burst of freshness and tanginess, cutting through the richness of the tofu and mayo sauce. The citrusy notes from the calamansi not only enhance the dish but also add a bright contrast to the savory, spicy components.

The Perfect Accompaniments: Rice and Egg

Crispy Tofu Sisig is typically served with rice, a staple in Filipino cuisine. The rice helps balance out the spiciness and richness of the dish, making each bite more satisfying. The tofu sisig is often served sizzling on a hot plate, which keeps the dish warm and ensures the tofu retains its crispy texture until it reaches the table. A generous helping of steamed rice on the side completes the meal, providing the perfect canvas for soaking up the creamy sauce.

An optional fried egg can be added to the dish to elevate it further. The egg, when broken into the hot tofu sisig, adds a layer of richness and texture that complements the crispiness of the tofu. The warm, runny yolk mixes with the mayo sauce, creating a silky, indulgent bite that ties the entire dish together. While the egg is optional, it is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys that added layer of richness and flavor.

A Dish for All: Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Options

One of the biggest advantages of Crispy Tofu Sisig is its versatility. It’s a vegetarian dish by default, making it suitable for those who don’t eat meat, but it can easily be made vegan by ensuring the mayo used is plant-based. There are many vegan mayo options available today, so it’s simple to make this dish entirely plant-based without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.

For those with gluten sensitivities, the dish can be easily adapted to be gluten-free. As long as the soy sauce or liquid seasoning used is gluten-free (many brands offer this option), the dish remains safe for individuals with gluten intolerances. Additionally, the tofu used in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so there’s no need to worry about hidden gluten ingredients.

This flexibility makes Crispy Tofu Sisig a great dish to serve at family gatherings, parties, or potlucks where guests may have various dietary preferences. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their dietary restrictions.

How to Serve Crispy Tofu Sisig

While Crispy Tofu Sisig is often served as a main dish, it also makes a great appetizer or side dish. The vibrant flavors and satisfying texture of the tofu make it an excellent starter for a Filipino meal, especially when paired with other classic Filipino dishes like adobo or sinigang. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, simply serve it with a side of rice and a fried egg on top.

To serve the dish, place the crispy tofu mixture on a hot plate or a regular plate, drizzle with the creamy mayo sauce, and top with a generous squeeze of fresh calamansi juice. You can garnish with additional chopped chilies or fresh herbs for added flavor and color. The sizzling sound as it’s served adds to the experience, making this dish a fun and interactive meal for everyone at the table.

Conclusion

Crispy Tofu Sisig is a delightful, vegetarian twist on the traditional Filipino sisig that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. The crispy tofu, sautéed with garlic, onion, chilies, and seasoned with rich umami flavors, offers a satisfying alternative to the original meat-based version. The creamy mayo sauce adds richness, while the tangy calamansi balances out the spiciness and savory flavors.

This dish is not only a great option for vegetarians but also a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy Filipino cuisine in a healthier, plant-based form. Whether served as a main dish with rice and an egg, or as a flavorful appetizer, Crispy Tofu Sisig is sure to impress and satisfy with every bite. It’s a dish that combines the best of Filipino flavors while catering to modern dietary preferences, making it a must-try for anyone who loves bold, savory, and spicy food.

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