Crispy Outside, Tender Inside! Delicious Pan-Fried Tofu Recipe
A New Way to Enjoy Tofu: Crispy and Flavorful Pan-Fried Tofu
If you thought you didn’t like tofu because you only ate it in stews, this pan-fried tofu recipe will change your mind! Coating the tofu in glutinous rice flour and pan-frying it until golden and crispy, then drizzling it with a savory sauce, makes it an irresistible dish. The delightful contrast between the chewy exterior and the soft interior of this tofu dish is sure to please the whole family!
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 3-4 Tbsp glutinous rice flour
- Plenty of cooking oil (enough to pan-fry the tofu)
Tofu Braising Sauce- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide
- A splash of cooking wine (mirin, etc.)
- 1 tsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1/3 Cheongyang chili pepper (optional, seeds removed and finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds or sesame powder
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide
- A splash of cooking wine (mirin, etc.)
- 1 tsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1/3 Cheongyang chili pepper (optional, seeds removed and finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds or sesame powder
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare one block of firm tofu. Thoroughly pat the tofu dry with paper towels to prevent oil splattering and ensure it fries up nicely and becomes crispy. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm thick squares or rectangles).
Step 2
Evenly coat the cut tofu pieces with glutinous rice flour. This coating will make the tofu exterior extra crispy and chewy. Gently shake off any excess flour before coating.
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the glutinous rice flour-coated tofu. Pan-fry the tofu, turning it occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Frying it like this will create a delicious tofu dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 4
Once all sides of the tofu are golden and crisp, carefully drain excess oil from the pan or wipe it clean with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped green onion, corn syrup, cooking wine, plum extract, and finely chopped Cheongyang chili pepper (if using) to make the braising sauce. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Reduce the heat to low and gently simmer the tofu in the sauce, turning occasionally, allowing it to absorb the flavors. Be careful not to overcook, as the tofu might break apart.
Step 5
Once the sauce has slightly reduced and coated the tofu, drizzle in the sesame oil and turn off the heat. Arrange the finished pan-fried tofu on a serving plate and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds or sesame powder. The tofu will be delightfully chewy and crispy on the outside from the glutinous rice flour coating, with a soft interior, all complemented by a flavorful sauce that’s sure to make you want to finish the whole plate! Enjoy your amazing pan-fried tofu.
