Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Tofu
Transform Your Leftover Firm Tofu into a Delicious Stir-Fry!
I always keep firm tofu on hand for stews and soups, but I found some leftover firm tofu in the fridge that I had purchased by mistake. Wondering what to make with it, I decided against a soup and opted for a simple yet incredibly tasty stir-fried tofu dish. The spicy and sweet sauce perfectly complements the soft texture of the tofu, making it an excellent side dish for rice or even a satisfying snack. Even beginner cooks can easily follow along, so give it a try!
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup) or honey
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Sesame Seeds, for garnish
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup) or honey
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Sesame Seeds, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently press the block of tofu to remove excess water using paper towels. If you have time, letting it sit at room temperature for a while can also help drain more moisture. Draining the tofu well will help it hold its shape and brown better when pan-fried.
Step 2
Slice the tofu into uniform pieces, about 1cm thick. Slicing them too thinly might cause them to break apart during cooking, so aim for a thickness that holds its structure well. For even better results, you can press them again with paper towels after slicing.
Step 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the tofu slices until they are golden brown and firm on both sides. Properly frying the tofu will enhance its texture and allow it to absorb the sauce better.
Step 4
In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. This step will infuse the sauce with a wonderful aromatic base.
Step 5
Once the garlic is lightly browned, add 1 tablespoon of gochujang and stir-fry it with the garlic. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the gochujang from burning.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce to the pan and stir well. Oyster sauce adds a savory depth of flavor, elevating the overall taste of the dish.
Step 7
Incorporate 1/2 tablespoon of oligodang (for sweetness), 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. Let the sauce simmer gently until it starts to bubble, indicating it’s ready.
Step 8
Add all the pre-fried tofu slices to the pan with the simmering sauce. Gently toss them to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
Step 9
Reduce the heat to low and let the tofu simmer in the sauce for a short while, allowing the flavors to meld. Finish by sprinkling a generous amount of sesame seeds over the top. Your delicious stir-fried tofu is now ready to be served! It’s especially wonderful spooned over a bowl of warm rice.
