Savory Fried Rice with Tofu Pouch
Fried rice that my daughter loves, now with added tofu pouches!
I always buy tofu pouches in bulk and keep them in the freezer to use in various dishes. They’re great in kimbap, soups, udon, stews, and especially in my daughter’s favorite fried rice. The texture of the tofu is wonderfully soft yet satisfyingly chewy. This fried rice is a delightful way to enjoy them.
Main Ingredients- 10 frozen tofu pouches
- 1 frankfurter sausage
- 1/2 onion
- 5 perilla leaves (깻잎)
- 1 instant rice pack
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Finely chop the onion or slice it thinly. It’s best to cut it so it still has a slight bite rather than mincing it too finely. (Using purple onion will add a lovely color if you have it.)
Step 2
Slice the frankfurter sausage into bite-sized pieces, similar to the size of the tofu pouches. Avoid cutting it too small so there’s a nice chewy texture.
Step 3
Using day-old cold rice or instant rice is ideal for fried rice as it helps keep the grains separate and results in a fluffier texture. If using instant rice, take it out of the container beforehand and let it cool slightly to release steam, which helps achieve a better texture.
Step 4
Thaw the frozen tofu pouches, then blanch them in boiling water to remove excess oil. Once drained, cut the tofu into pieces roughly the same size as the sausage.
Step 5
Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped green onions and sauté until fragrant, creating scallion oil. Once the aroma is released, add the chopped onion and stir-fry until it becomes translucent. (Tip: Making a larger batch of scallion oil and storing it in the refrigerator can save time and enhance flavor in future dishes.)
Step 6
Add the sliced sausage to the pan and stir-fry with the onions until the sausage is lightly browned.
Step 7
Now, add the cut tofu pouches and 1 tablespoon of seasoning soy sauce (맛간장). If you don’t have it, regular soy sauce will work. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until the tofu absorbs the flavor, then briefly turn off the heat.
Step 8
Add the cooked rice to the pan. Gently break up any clumps with a spatula and mix everything together evenly with the sautéed ingredients. It’s important to mix gently to avoid mashing the rice.
Step 9
Turn the heat back on and continue to stir-fry until the rice grains are separated and all the ingredients are well combined. Cook until the rice is fluffy and cooked through. Taste to ensure the rice is perfectly cooked.
Step 10
Taste the fried rice and add salt if needed to adjust the seasoning. A dash of oyster sauce can also be added for extra umami.
Step 11
Drizzle in sesame oil for a nutty aroma and finish with a pinch of black pepper.
Step 12
Pack the prepared fried rice firmly into a rice bowl. Pressing it down helps to shape it nicely.
Step 13
For a more elegant presentation, place a bowl on top of the rice bowl, then quickly invert them together. This will create a beautifully shaped mound of fried rice.
Step 14
Garnish the plate by arranging thinly sliced perilla leaves around the fried rice and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a visually appealing finish. (If your child enjoys perilla leaves, you can also mix them into the fried rice for an extra flavor boost.)
Step 15
Consider making a simple, clear soup to accompany the fried rice. Simmer anchovy broth with sliced tofu, season with Korean soup soy sauce (국간장), and add chopped green onions for a light and refreshing soup.
Step 16
This fried rice has a mild, pleasant sweetness and umami that children particularly enjoy. The combination of the soft tofu and rice is delightful, and the chewy texture is also very satisfying. The aromatic perilla leaves add another layer of sophisticated flavor, making it feel like a special, restaurant-quality dish.
Step 17
If you’re tired of the same old fried rice, why not try this unique tofu pouch fried rice with its wonderfully soft and chewy texture? It’s a simple yet highly satisfying meal that’s sure to please.
