Savory & Sweet Glazed Tofu: Crispy & Chewy Delight
The Ultimate Soy-Glazed Tofu Recipe: A Must-Try Side Dish
Experience the irresistible combination of crispy exteriors and chewy interiors with this Soy-Glazed Tofu! Tofu coated in potato starch is pan-fried until golden brown, then simmered in a delectable sweet and savory soy sauce. This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, offering a delightful texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with rice.
Main Ingredients
- 400g firm tofu (firm frying tofu recommended)
- 1/2 cup potato starch (for coating the tofu)
- 0.5 tsp fine salt (for marinating tofu)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the 400g block of tofu under running water, then thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the tofu into uniform slices, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Be careful not to cut them too thin, as they might break easily.
Step 2
Sprinkle 0.5 tsp of fine salt evenly over the sliced tofu. Let it sit for about 20 minutes to allow the salt to penetrate the tofu and draw out excess moisture. This step is crucial for seasoning and achieving the right texture.
Step 3
Use paper towels to gently dab away the moisture that has surfaced on the tofu. While you want to remove excess water, leaving a slight dampness will help the starch adhere better. Overly dry tofu might cause oil splattering when frying.
Step 4
Coat all sides of the lightly dried tofu pieces generously with potato starch. A slightly thicker coating will result in a crispier and chewier texture after cooking, enhancing the overall delight of the dish.
Step 5
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the starch-coated tofu slices into the pan. Fry them, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and beautifully crisp. Ensure the oil is hot enough to achieve a crisp crust without the tofu absorbing too much oil.
Step 6
While the tofu is frying, prepare the delicious glaze. In a small bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 5 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, and 0.5 Tbsp sugar. Whisk everything together until well combined. You can adjust the sugar to your preference.
Step 7
Once the tofu is golden and crisp, push the pieces to one side of the pan or transfer them to a separate plate temporarily. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. When the sauce begins to bubble, return the fried tofu to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the tofu and let it simmer gently for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavorful glaze. Keep the heat at medium to prevent the sauce from burning.
Step 8
When the tofu has absorbed most of the sauce and is beautifully glazed, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for an aromatic finish. Give it a gentle stir to incorporate the sesame oil, and your delicious Soy-Glazed Tofu is ready!
Step 9
Serve this delightful tofu dish over warm rice for an incredibly satisfying meal. The wonderful contrast of crispy outside and chewy inside, coupled with the perfect sweet and savory glaze, makes this a truly exceptional side dish. Enjoy this visually appealing and incredibly tasty creation!
