Sweet & Savory Tofu “Gangjeong” (Crispy Tofu Bites)
Recommended Tofu Dish for Kids: Making Tofu Gangjeong
I decided to make a side dish for Hodul after a long time. Tofu is packed with nutrients, but Hodul doesn’t eat it often because of its mushy texture and bland taste. He says it doesn’t taste like anything. For Hodul, who loves the tofu in soybean paste stew with its absorbed flavor, I made a sweet and savory tofu gangjeong as a side dish for kids, with the flavor deeply infused. Although it requires a bit of effort, seeing him finish a whole block of tofu makes my heart full of pride.
Main Ingredients- 1 large block of firm tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 2 Tbsp potato starch or cornstarch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the main ingredient for the Tofu Gangjeong: tofu. Use one large block. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 2 cm x 2 cm, which is a good size for children to pick up and eat. (Tip: A 2.5 cm cube might be a bit too large for little ones!) Place the cubed tofu on paper towels and press gently to remove excess water. Draining the water well is crucial for achieving a crispy texture and preventing oil splatters when frying or pan-frying. Lightly season the drained tofu cubes with a pinch of salt and pepper. This basic seasoning enhances the tofu’s natural flavor.
Step 2
Coat the seasoned tofu cubes evenly with starch. Using a zip-top bag makes this step easy and mess-free. Place the tofu cubes in the bag along with 2 tablespoons of starch and shake gently. Ensure a thin, even layer of starch coats all sides of the tofu. This step is key to achieving a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the starch-coated tofu cubes and pan-fry until golden brown. Frying over medium heat ensures the tofu cooks through while developing a delightful crispiness on the outside. Turn the cubes occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly browned. Once crispy, remove the tofu from the pan and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let it cool slightly; this helps maintain its crispiness.
Step 4
Using the same pan (you can wipe out excess oil if needed), we’ll make the flavorful sauce for the Tofu Gangjeong. Add 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic to the pan over low heat. Stir-fry gently until fragrant. This infuses the oil with a wonderful garlic aroma, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
Step 5
Now, let’s create the star of the dish: the sauce. To the pan with the fragrant garlic, add 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or honey), 0.5 Tbsp oyster sauce, and 0.5 Tbsp sugar. Stir everything together well. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken. This is your delicious gangjeong sauce base.
Step 6
Add the pan-fried tofu cubes to the simmering sauce. Gently toss the tofu to coat each piece evenly with the sauce. Keep the heat on low to prevent the sauce from burning. Stir carefully until the tofu and sauce are well combined. Make sure every piece of tofu is coated with the delicious sauce.
Step 7
Continue to cook, stirring, until most of the liquid in the sauce has evaporated and the tofu is coated with a glossy glaze. Just before removing from heat, drizzle in 1 tsp of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and sprinkle with 1 tsp of toasted sesame seeds. Adding these at the end preserves their fragrance. Give it a final gentle toss to combine everything.
Step 8
Your nutritious Tofu Gangjeong, made with tofu, is ready! It features a crispy exterior, a tender interior, and a perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavor that kids will absolutely love.
Step 9
Let the Tofu Gangjeong cool slightly before serving it as a side dish or snack for your children. The slightly crispy outside, soft inside, and the sweet and savory glaze make it a perfect accompaniment to rice or enjoyable on its own. Even children who are usually hesitant about tofu will devour this dish!
