Crispy and Tender Tofu and Bacon Stir-fry
Crispy Outside, Tender Inside! Spicy Tofu and Bacon Stir-fry for Special Occasions
Let’s try a slightly different recipe with tofu, which is readily available, affordable, and packed with nutrition. It’s perfect for parents, elders, or when entertaining guests. It’s crispy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside, with a hint of spiciness. Mmm, it would also make a great dish to go with drinks when you need a quick snack!
Ingredients- Tofu 250g (firm, suitable for frying recommended)
- Onion 50g (about 1/4 medium)
- Green onion 50g (about 1/2 stalk)
- Carrot 30g (about 1/5 medium)
- Cheongyang chili peppers 2
- Cornstarch 3 Tbsp (or potato starch)
- Doenjang (fermented soybean paste) 1.5 Tbsp
- Water 2 cups (400ml)
- Bacon 3 strips
- Garlic cloves 5
- Cooking oil, ample amount
Seasoning- Fine salt 2 pinches
- Soy sauce 0.5 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Sesame seeds, a little
- Black pepper, a little
- Fine salt 2 pinches
- Soy sauce 0.5 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Sesame seeds, a little
- Black pepper, a little
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, we’ll remove any odor from the tofu and let it absorb some flavor. In a large bowl, pour 2 cups (400ml) of water and dissolve 1.5 Tbsp of doenjang. Stir well until the doenjang is fully dissolved, then soak the tofu in this seasoned water for about 20 minutes to marinate.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the onion, green onion, carrot, and Cheongyang chili peppers into julienne strips. Slicing the vegetables to a similar thickness ensures they cook evenly.
Step 3
Julienne the bacon and garlic cloves as well. Having all ingredients prepped makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 4
Remove the marinated tofu from the water and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Draining the tofu well prevents splattering oil when frying and helps achieve a crispy texture. Cut the tofu into thick strips, about 1.5cm wide.
Step 5
Coat the tofu strips evenly with cornstarch (or potato starch). This light coating of starch is the secret to achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the inside wonderfully tender and moist. Gently shake off any excess starch.
Step 6
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the starch-coated tofu. Fry both sides until golden brown and crispy. Cooking over medium heat ensures the tofu cooks through without burning.
Step 7
Continue to turn the tofu strips, frying all sides until they are a beautiful golden brown. Once cooked, remove the tofu and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 8
We’ll reuse some of the oil left in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and add the julienned garlic. Sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 9
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the julienned onion, green onion, carrot, and Cheongyang chili peppers. Stir-fry quickly over high heat to maintain the crispness of the vegetables. Season with 2 pinches of fine salt at this stage.
Step 10
When the vegetables start to soften slightly, add the julienned bacon and stir-fry together. The savory flavor of the bacon will blend beautifully with the vegetables, enhancing the dish.
Step 11
Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, add 1 tsp of sugar and 0.5 Tbsp of soy sauce. Stir-fry quickly to coat the vegetables evenly with the sauce.
Step 12
Now, add the pan-fried tofu, 1 Tbsp of sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper to the stir-fried vegetables. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to break the tofu. The key is to mix it gently.
Step 13
Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds for added flavor and aroma.
Step 14
Your delicious Tofu and Bacon Stir-fry is ready! Serve it warm on a plate and enjoy this delightful dish.
