Crispy Fried Tofu Bites (Dubu Gangjeong)
[Recipe] Delicious Fried Tofu Bites: Perfect for Kids’ Snacks and Adult Appetizers
Introducing a recipe for crispy on the outside, soft on the inside fried tofu bites (Dubu Gangjeong). These make an excellent side dish for children and are also a perfect appetizer for adults to enjoy with drinks. This dish is easy and simple to make, making it a great meal for the whole family.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1/3 stalk Scallion, finely chopped
- 1/3 Green Chili Pepper, seeds removed and minced (optional)
- 2 Tbsp Potato Starch or Cornstarch
- 2 pinches Salt
- 1 Tbsp Mixed Nuts, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup Cooking Oil (for frying tofu)
- 1 Tbsp Oligodang (Korean corn syrup) or Corn Syrup
Spicy & Sweet Sauce Ingredients- 0.5 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Korean plum syrup) or Plum Extract
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Jin Ganjang (Korean soy sauce)
- 0.5 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Maesil Cheong (Korean plum syrup) or Plum Extract
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Jin Ganjang (Korean soy sauce)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse 1 block of firm tofu under running water. Removing excess moisture from the tofu is crucial for frying without splattering oil and achieving a crispier texture.
Step 2
Cut the prepared tofu into bite-sized cubes, approximately 2-3 cm (about 1 inch) in size. If the pieces are too small, they may break apart during frying, so aim for a moderate size.
Step 3
Using paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth, press firmly on the cut tofu to absorb as much moisture as possible. This step is very important for making the tofu crispy.
Step 4
Sprinkle 2 pinches of salt evenly over the surface of the drained tofu. The salt will help draw out a little more moisture from the tofu.
Step 5
In a small bowl, combine Gochujang, ketchup, plum syrup, minced garlic, gochugaru, and soy sauce. Mix well with a spoon to create the delicious gangjeong sauce. Ensure there are no clumps.
Step 6
Finely chop the scallion (both white and green parts). If using, mince the green chili pepper after removing the seeds. If you have chopped nuts for garnish, prepare them now.
Step 7
Heat about 1/2 cup of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. This amount of oil is sufficient for deep-frying the tofu; it should be enough to submerge the tofu pieces.
Step 8
Coat the salted tofu pieces evenly with 2 tablespoons of starch. This starch coating will create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Once the oil is hot enough, carefully add the starch-coated tofu to the pan and fry.
Step 9
Fry the tofu for about 5-7 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and looks appetizing. Once fried, remove the tofu from the pan and drain excess oil using a wire rack or paper towels.
Step 10
Leave a small amount of oil in the pan, discard the rest, and add the pre-made sauce. Gently stir the sauce over medium-low heat. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
Step 11
Add the drained fried tofu to the pan with the sauce. Quickly toss the tofu to ensure it is evenly coated with the sauce. Stir gently to prevent the tofu from breaking.
Step 12
Finally, add the chopped scallions, green chili pepper, chopped nuts, and 1 tablespoon of oligodang (or corn syrup). Toss quickly one more time to combine. The oligodang will add gloss and adjust sweetness.
Step 13
Transfer the finished fried tofu bites to a serving dish. Your delicious Dubu Gangjeong, perfect as a side dish or appetizer, is ready to be enjoyed!
