Crispy and Delicious Dubu Gangjeong (Korean Fried Tofu)
[Home Cooking] Easy and Delicious Dubu Gangjeong Recipe
Transform a large block of firm tofu into a delightful main dish! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Dubu Gangjeong is a perfect snack for kids and an excellent accompaniment for drinks for adults. It also makes a fantastic side dish for a freshly cooked bowl of rice, thanks to its sweet and savory special sauce. Let’s make delicious Dubu Gangjeong right away!
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 4 Tbsp pancake mix (or flour) (40g)
- Plenty of cooking oil (enough to deep-fry)
Sweet and Savory Special Sauce- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (45ml)
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide) (30ml)
- 4 Tbsp ketchup (60ml)
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar (22.5g)
- 2/3 Tbsp minced garlic (10g)
- 1/4 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (3g, optional)
- 1 handful sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (45ml)
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide) (30ml)
- 4 Tbsp ketchup (60ml)
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar (22.5g)
- 2/3 Tbsp minced garlic (10g)
- 1/4 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (3g, optional)
- 1 handful sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, to remove excess water from the tofu, wrap it in paper towels and press it for about 10 minutes. While waiting, cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, approximately 3cm x 3cm squares. Aim for about 32 pieces. Also, to make the Dubu Gangjeong even better, measure out all the sauce ingredients and mix them in advance; this will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Here’s a tip to reduce dishwashing! Place 4 tablespoons of pancake mix into a large zip-top bag or plastic bag.
Step 3
Now, add all the cut tofu pieces into the bag with the pancake mix. Seal the bag well and shake it gently. This will evenly coat the tofu pieces with the coating, preparing them for frying. Be careful not to shake too vigorously, so the tofu doesn’t break apart.
Step 4
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. It’s important to preheat the oil to the right temperature so the tofu fries to a nice golden brown. Ensure the oil temperature is well-managed to prevent the tofu from sticking.
Step 5
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated tofu pieces. Fry the tofu until it’s golden brown and crispy on all sides. Turn the tofu pieces frequently while frying to ensure even cooking. Once they are crisped up, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 6
In a clean pan, pour in all the pre-mixed sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer over low heat. Once the sauce starts to thicken slightly, add the fried tofu pieces. Quickly toss them to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and cling to the tofu. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a beautiful garnish. Your delicious Dubu Gangjeong is ready! It’s best enjoyed immediately while hot.
