Golden Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu: The Ultimate Recipe
How to Make Delicious Pan-Fried Tofu
I absolutely love tofu! Even without any other side dishes, a bowl of rice can be quickly finished with just tofu. I’ve prepared a pan-fried tofu recipe for you. This dish is incredibly satisfying and can be prepared with minimal ingredients, making it a perfect staple.
Main Ingredients- 1 block of tofu (firm or stewing tofu recommended for best texture)
- Generous amount of cooking oil (enough to fry the tofu until golden brown)
Savory Sauce- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (for saltiness and umami)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced green onion (adds fresh aroma and a pleasant crunch)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (garlic flavor cuts through richness and enhances taste)
- 0.3 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness to your preference; a little goes a long way to deepen flavor!)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (essential for a nutty, finishing touch)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (for saltiness and umami)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced green onion (adds fresh aroma and a pleasant crunch)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (garlic flavor cuts through richness and enhances taste)
- 0.3 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness to your preference; a little goes a long way to deepen flavor!)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (essential for a nutty, finishing touch)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the tofu. Gently press the tofu with paper towels to remove excess water; this will help it become crispier when fried. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces (about 1.5 cm thick squares). Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Place the tofu pieces in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. Cooking over medium heat allows the inside to warm through while the outside develops a beautiful color.
Step 2
While the tofu is frying, let’s make the delicious sauce. In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp minced green onion, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 0.3 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Finely mincing the green onion and garlic will ensure the sauce adheres well to the tofu and is pleasant to eat.
Step 3
Continue to pan-fry the tofu over medium heat. It’s important to cook slowly until each side is golden brown and develops an appetizing color. This slow cooking process brings out the tofu’s natural nutty flavor and creates a chewy exterior with a soft interior. Patience is key for the best results!
Step 4
Arrange the perfectly fried tofu pieces on a serving plate. Now, generously drizzle or brush the prepared savory sauce over the fried tofu. Allowing the sauce to lightly soak into the tofu will enhance the flavor. Avoid drowning the tofu in sauce; a moderate amount will best complement its taste.
Step 5
For an even richer flavor, you can repeat the frying and saucing process. Return the tofu to the pan, briefly fry again on both sides, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly. This helps the flavor penetrate the tofu more deeply. This carefully prepared pan-fried tofu makes an excellent side dish to enjoy with warm rice. Enjoy your meal!
