Meal #4: Chinese-Style Crispy Orange Tofu – The Air Fryer Assassin!

The Verdict: 6/10 (Tastes okay, but the clean-up was a nightmare!)

If Day 2 was "dog food," Day 4 was "The Kitchen Massacre." We had the Crispy Orange Tofu, and while it was a step up in flavour, it came with a heavy price.

The Chaos

Halfway through cooking, the recipe killed my air fryer. It just gave up the ghost! I had to pivot to pans, which then proceeded to get absolutely decimated by the sticky orange sauce. Two dishwasher loads later, I’m finally seeing the bottom of my sink again.

The "Grandma’s Cupboard" Warning

Gousto, we need to talk about your ginger and garlic paste. It is strong. It’s got that specific "pre-made" pungency that lingers and, quite frankly, doesn’t do the fresh ingredients any justice.

• The Kid Verdict: My eldest took one bite and requested leftover soup instead. I don’t blame her; the ginger and soy were just way too intense for a young palate. I’m just glad she tried it!

The Tofu Triumph

On a brighter note, I think I’ve cured my husband’s tofu phobia! The recipe had us tearing the tofu rather than cutting it into cubes. Those rough edges got so much crispier and held the sauce better. He actually ate it! Since I only used one of the two packs provided (I’m still working out the portion math), we have a mountain of tofu left over for another day.

The Scorecard

• Look: 7/10 (Once I rescued it from the pan).

• Taste: 6/10 (Ruined slightly by that paste).

• Kid-Friendly: 2/10 (One bite and out).

• Ease: 1/10 (Due to the appliance death and the washing up!).