Crispy & Creamy Garlic Butter Tofu
Japanese Izakaya Style! Garlicky Butter Tofu with an Elegant Flavor
Here’s an izakaya favorite I absolutely adore, recreated at home! This time, I’ve used tender tofu to create ‘Garlicky Butter Tofu’ that’s crispy on the outside and delightfully soft inside. It’s a dish so delicious that you don’t even need to drink alcohol to enjoy it! Perfect as a side dish for rice or even a special occasion treat!
Ingredients
- 1 block (300-350g) firm tofu (for pan-frying)
- 1-2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- Approx. 10g butter (about 1/2 Tbsp)
- Olive oil, as needed
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s crucial to drain the tofu well. Use paper towels to gently press and remove excess moisture from the surface of the tofu. Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm squares.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium heat with a generous amount of olive oil. Place the cut tofu pieces in the pan and fry until golden brown. Cooking over medium heat rather than high heat ensures a crispy exterior. Flip the tofu pieces occasionally until all sides are a nice brown color.
Step 3
It’s best to continue frying the tofu until its exterior is nicely browned and crispy. This process helps to evaporate moisture from the tofu, resulting in a chewier and more delicious texture. Once it has a generally appetizing brown hue, move on to the next step.
Step 4
Once the tofu is well-fried, carefully pour out any excess oil from the pan and reduce the heat to low. Add 1.5 Tbsp of soy sauce and 10g of butter. The butter will melt, creating a wonderful fusion of flavors with the soy sauce. Keep the heat low to prevent burning.
Step 5
When the butter has completely melted and is well combined with the soy sauce, add 1-2 Tbsp of minced garlic and stir-fry together. Sauté gently until the garlic becomes fragrant and the soy-garlic butter sauce coats the tofu evenly. Be careful not to burn the garlic by keeping the heat low.
Step 6
Once all the ingredients are well combined and coated in a glossy sauce, your delicious Garlicky Butter Tofu is ready! Serve it over warm rice, or enjoy it as a delectable accompaniment to beer or sake. The rich buttery aroma and savory soy sauce flavor are simply superb.
