Crispy & Chewy Dubu Gangjeong (Sweet & Sour Korean Fried Tofu)
A Delectable Tofu Dish That Will Have You Craving More – Revive Your Appetite with Sweet and Sour Dubu Gangjeong!
Introducing the sweet and sour Dubu Gangjeong, the perfect dish to bring back your appetite! This recipe makes nutritious tofu incredibly fun to eat, boasting a delightful crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. When coated in our delicious sauce, it becomes an irresistible delicacy! Dubu Gangjeong is fantastic as a snack, a side dish, or even an appetizer. Enjoy the nutritious and flavorful world of tofu with this easy-to-make, delicious dish!
Main Ingredients- 350g firm tofu
- 4 Tbsp starch (potato or cornstarch)
- 70g onion (approx. 1/4 medium onion)
- 1 green chili pepper
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Sweet & Sour Sauce- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, approximately 2cm in size. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might break apart during frying.
Step 2
Drain the cut tofu thoroughly by placing it in a colander. Alternatively, you can lay the tofu on paper towels and gently pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispier texture.
Step 3
Finely mince the onion and the green and red chili peppers. Have the minced garlic ready as well.
Step 4
In a bowl or small pot, combine all the sauce ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, soy sauce, lemon juice, vinegar, and water. Stir well until the sugar and corn syrup are completely dissolved.
Step 5
After patting the tofu dry, give it another thorough wipe with paper towels to ensure it’s as dry as possible. Then, generously coat the tofu pieces with starch, ensuring an even layer. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
Step 6
Now it’s time to fry the tofu. Heat enough oil in a pan for deep-frying, ensuring the oil level reaches about 80% of the tofu’s height. Fry the tofu at a temperature of 150-170°C (300-340°F). Frying over high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked, so medium heat is ideal. Fry until the tofu turns a golden brown and looks crisp, then remove it.
Step 7
Place the golden-fried tofu on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Prepare a clean pan for tossing with the sauce. Bring the prepared sauce to a gentle boil over medium heat and let it reduce slightly. Once the sauce is simmering, add the fried tofu and gently toss to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
Step 8
Continue to stir-fry the tofu with the sauce over medium-low heat until it’s well coated and glossy. Be careful not to burn it. Stir until a nice sheen develops.
Step 9
Finally, add the minced onion, minced garlic, and chopped chili peppers. Toss gently for a short while until everything is combined. The key is to lightly sauté these ingredients to maintain their fresh, crisp texture.
Step 10
On days when you’re feeling listless or tired, this sweet and sour Dubu Gangjeong is the perfect pick-me-up! It’s a wonderful way to enjoy nutritious tofu in a unique and exciting manner. Serve beautifully plated and enjoy this delightful dish with your loved ones!
