Tofu Sisig with Mayonnaise and Oyster Sauce

Try this Crispy Tofu Sisig with Mayonnaise and Oyster Sauce if you are looking for easy savory and creamy tofu recipe ideas. This vegetarian twist on the classic sisig, a Filipino dish made with pork is an inexpensive, low-calorie, delicious, and great protein alternative to meat. It can be served as an appetizer or a side dish with rice or pancit.

This Filipino sizzling tofu recipe or tofu sisig is inspired by one of the famous restaurant chains in the Philippines called Max Restaurant and a lot of the locals, including myself, really enjoy this dish with rice. We don't have nearby Max restaurants in the United States which is why I re-create this recipe.

If you are vegetarian, this tofu recipe is for you. The tofu serves as your protein and you can use vegan mayonnaise and oyster sauce. It is a tasty and savory dish for everyone to enjoy.

What is sisig?

Sisig is a popular Filipino dish that originated in Pampanga from the region of Luzon. Sisig is a staple of the native Kapampangan. The original dish is made from parts of a pork's face and belly, and chicken liver which is usually seasoned with calamansi, red chili, and onions. Try my pork belly sisig recipe next.

ingredients and substitutions

With just a few ingredients, you can make this sisig tofu better than the restaurant version. You can find the full list of ingredients along with exact measurements in the recipe card below. These are my ingredient notes and recommendations for easy swaps.

• Tofu - Use extra firm tofu for an extra crispy texture. Slice them in small cubes and deep fry in cooking oil for crispiness. You can also use other tofu textures except silken tofu which is typically used in soups.
• Cooking oil - We need enough cooking oil to deep fry our tofu.
• Mayonnaise - For creaminess and extra flavor. There are plenty of vegan mayonnaise if you are on a plant-based diet.
• Onion and bell pepper - Adds flavor and aroma. Slice them in a dice.
• Soy sauce and oyster sauce - For seasoning and flavor, vegetarian oyster sauce is also available you are vegan or you can use hoisin sauce.
• Black pepper and red chili flakes - for flavors
• Sliced lemon - for the side (optional)
• Green onion - for garnish (optional)

How to fry tofu

Fried tofu is a delicious way to incorporate high-quality protein into your diet. Try my crispy fried tofu.

1. Make sure to press down on the tofu as hard as you can using two heavy chopping boards putting the tofu in the middle to squeeze as much water and pat dry using a paper towel to get rid of excess liquid. We will need to dice the tofu into small cube pieces and deep fry them in hot cooking oil.
2. To achieve crispy and golden brown tofu, you have to fry them in 350°F or 175°C cooking oil. Allow tofu to fry, undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, and fry them until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
3. Flip the tofu to let the other sides cook until crispy and golden brown.
4. Take them out from the skillet. Use colander or paper towel to drain excess oil.

How to cook tofu sisig

Step 1. Using the same cast iron skillet that we use to fry the tofu, saute onions, and bell peppers in 2 tablespoons of cooking oil for two minutes or until onions become soft.

Step 2. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, soy sauce, oyster sauce, red chili flakes, and black pepper. Add the mayonnaise sauce to the skillet. Let it simmer while stirring for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3. Toss in the fried tofu and green onions. Mix until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust your seasoning accordingly. Serve while hot with rice.

Pro-tip: Tofu is added in the last part of cooking the dish to maintain the crispiness. Better served hot to enjoy its crispy texture.

Tips and Variations

• Texture Matters: Achieve the perfect sisig tofu by ensuring your tofu is well-pressed to remove excess liquid before frying.
• Spice it up: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding red chili pepper or cayenne pepper powder. You can also add your favorite herbs and spices to play with the flavors.
• Personalize your dish: Experiment with additional toppings like grated vegan cheese, crushed peanuts, or a squeeze of calamansi for added flair.
• Serving: Crispy Tofu Sisig with Mayonnaise and Oyster Sauce typically served with rice on the side. You can also serve it with fried rice, pancit, or vegetable lumpia.

Why we love this recipe

• It is the perfect alternative to meat if you are vegetarian or vegan.
• It is a quick, easy, and simple dish you can make at home.
• It is an affordable and budget-friendly meal to serve when you are on a budget.
• This Tofu sisig can be made without using a sizzling plate although I like to serve it in a nice presentation for the guests.
• This recipe does not require marinating the tofu which saves you so much time in preparing and cooking. It is how fast and easy this is, right?
• If you love more sisig recipes, check out my Tuna Sisig, Bangus Sisig, and Pork Belly Sisig.
• If you want more side dishes and appetizers, check out my
  • Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
  • Crab Rangoon Recipe
  • Crispy Pork Lumpia Recipe
  • Pancit Bihon Recipe

Storage tip

Cool your leftover sisig tofu completely and transfer it into an air-tight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing your leftovers because the texture and taste will be completely different once frozen.

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