Crispy Outside, Chewy Inside! Frozen Tofu with Savory Sauce
An Amazing Transformation of Frozen Tofu! Chewy and Savory Seasoned Tofu Skewers
Try this seasoned tofu skewer recipe with a special texture made from frozen tofu! Frozen tofu loses moisture, making it crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a chewy texture that’s surprisingly similar to fried tofu (yubu). It’s a simple yet delicious side dish or a perfect accompaniment to drinks!
Main Ingredients- 1 block Frozen Tofu (regular tofu that has been frozen)
- 1/4 Onion
- 1 Chili pepper (like Cheongyang or red chili, optional)
Seasoning Sauce- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp Plum Extract (or syrup)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp Plum Extract (or syrup)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Take the tofu out of the freezer. Freezing regular tofu causes its water content to reduce, resulting in a chewier and more savory texture. Thaw it slowly at room temperature, or if you’re in a hurry, soak it in cold water. Once thawed, gently press the tofu with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent splattering when frying and ensures a crispier result.
Step 2
Finely mince the onion and the chili pepper (Cheongyang or red chili). Remove seeds from the chili pepper if you prefer less heat. For the seasoning sauce, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of plum extract, a pinch of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well to create a delicious sauce. You can substitute plum extract with corn syrup or honey.
Step 3
Lightly oil a heated pan over medium-low heat and pan-fry the thawed and patted-dry tofu until golden brown. While frozen tofu doesn’t stick as easily as fresh tofu, cooking it slowly on medium-low heat ensures it heats through and becomes extra crispy. Once the tofu is nicely browned, reduce the heat to low. Spoon the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over the fried tofu. Let it simmer for a moment longer to allow the sauce to penetrate the tofu. Enjoy your delicious seasoned tofu, which is best served immediately while it’s hot and crispy!