Crispy & Sweet Tofu Gangjeong (Korean Fried Tofu)
Ultimate Crispy and Sweet Tofu Gangjeong Recipe: An Affordable and Delicious Treat!
Create a fantastic dish using tofu from your fridge! Tofu Gangjeong, with its crispy exterior and soft interior, is perfect as a snack for kids or even as a side dish for meals. The sweet and savory sauce complements the mild flavor of the tofu, creating an irresistible taste you won’t be able to stop eating. Let’s make this Tofu Gangjeong that will add vitality to any meal, whether it’s a special occasion or an everyday dinner!
Main Ingredients- 500g firm tofu (recommended for pan-frying)
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch (or frying powder)
- A handful of nuts (walnuts, almonds, etc.) (optional)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Sweet & Savory Sauce- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust spiciness)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (for shine and sweetness)
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust spiciness)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (for shine and sweetness)
- 3 Tbsp water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the 500g block of firm tofu into bite-sized square pieces, about 2 to 2.5 cm thick. Cutting them too small can cause them to break easily, so aim for a moderate size.
Step 2
Pat the cut tofu pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Place the dried tofu pieces in a plastic bag with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and shake gently until the tofu is evenly coated.
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat (enough to shallow-fry the tofu). Carefully add the cornstarch-coated tofu pieces and fry until they turn a golden brown color and the exterior becomes firm. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4
Once fried, transfer the tofu to a wire rack to drain excess oil, or place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining grease. Let them cool slightly.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious gangjeong sauce. In a separate pan (or the same one, wiped clean), combine 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp ketchup, 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp corn syrup, and 3 Tbsp water. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6
Add all the fried tofu pieces to the simmering sauce. Gently toss the tofu to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the sauce, being careful not to break them.
Step 7
Once the sauce has nicely coated the tofu, this delicious Tofu Gangjeong is ready to be enjoyed as a fantastic snack or a side dish for your meal. The balance of sweet and slightly spicy flavors is truly captivating!
Step 8
After tossing the tofu and sauce together evenly, garnish with your preferred chopped nuts and sesame seeds. Enjoy your beautiful Tofu Gangjeong immediately while it’s warm for the best taste!
