Crispy Outside, Silky Inside: Easy Silken Tofu Fries Recipe
A Unique Silken Tofu Dish: Truly Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside Silken Tofu Fries
Everyone knows tofu is good for you, but often we only think of using it in miso soup or as part of a tofu kimchi stir-fry. Silken tofu, in particular, can be tricky beyond salads. This recipe offers a delightful twist, transforming it into a delicious appetizer or side dish. It’s similar to Japanese tempura but without the batter, making it a lighter option. Enjoy this guilt-free, flavorful fried tofu!
Main Ingredients- 1 block (200g) silken tofu
- Potato starch (or cornstarch), plenty
- A few scallions (green onions)
- 50g grated daikon radish
Special Dipping Sauce- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 tsp cooking syrup (or corn syrup)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 tsp cooking syrup (or corn syrup)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the silken tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4cm cubes. Since silken tofu is very delicate, it’s important not to cut it too thin or too large to prevent it from breaking. Gently pat the cut tofu pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2
Evenly coat each piece of dried silken tofu with potato starch (or cornstarch). Ensure the starch forms a thin layer all around. Lightly shake off any excess starch.
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the starch-coated tofu pieces into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. You don’t need to cook them for too long; just until the exterior is nicely browned. (Think of this as pan-frying to achieve crispiness rather than deep-frying.)
Step 4
Once nicely fried, remove the silken tofu from the pan and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Arrange the crispy tofu pieces on a serving plate. Top generously with the freshly grated daikon radish. The refreshing taste of radish complements the tofu’s mild flavor.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the delicious dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp of soy sauce and 1 Tbsp of water.
Step 6
Add 1 tsp of cooking syrup (or corn syrup) for a touch of sweetness and 1 tsp of minced garlic for added flavor. Stir everything together until well combined to make the sauce.
Step 7
Drizzle the prepared sauce evenly over the crispy silken tofu. Garnish with finely chopped scallions. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some toasted seaweed flakes on top.
Step 8
To ensure maximum crispiness, it’s best to pour the sauce over the tofu just before serving. The sauce will gently coat the tofu, adding moisture and enhancing the flavor.
Step 9
The combination of the savory sauce, the cool grated radish, and the contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy interior of the silken tofu is truly delightful. Enjoy this unique and satisfying silken tofu dish as a perfect appetizer with drinks or as a flavorful side dish for your meal!
