Description
Spicy crispy tofu delivers a fiery Korean-inspired culinary adventure that dances between crunchy texture and bold flavors. Perfectly seasoned and golden-brown, this dish promises a delightful experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- ¼ cup (59 milliliters) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) oil (for frying)
Seasoning and Flavor Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vinegar (rice vinegar or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame seeds
Garnish Ingredients:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup (59 milliliters) cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Carefully extract tofu from its packaging and eliminate surplus liquid using a clean kitchen towel or dedicated tofu press, ensuring maximum moisture removal.
- Transform the drained tofu into uniform, compact cubes approximately bite-sized for consistent cooking and optimal texture.
- Generously dust tofu pieces with cornstarch, massaging each cube to create a complete, even powdery coating that will yield maximum crispiness.
- Warm culinary oil in a robust skillet or traditional wok, maintaining medium-high thermal intensity for ideal searing conditions.
- Gently introduce cornstarch-covered tofu into heated oil, allowing each piece strategic space to achieve golden-brown exterior without overcrowding the cooking surface.
- Rotate cubes periodically, ensuring uniform caramelization and crisp texture across all surfaces, which typically requires 4-6 minutes of attentive cooking.
- Transfer expertly fried tofu onto absorbent paper towels, permitting excess oil to dissipate and maintaining desired crunchiness.
- Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together zesty chili flakes, nutty sesame seeds, umami-rich soy sauce, tangy vinegar, subtle sugar, minced garlic, delicate green onions, and fresh cilantro.
- Immerse crisp tofu cubes within the prepared sauce, executing a gentle yet thorough tossing motion to guarantee comprehensive flavor distribution.
- Present immediately alongside steamed rice or delicate noodles, celebrating the harmonious blend of crispy texture and dynamic seasonings.
Notes
- Drain tofu thoroughly to achieve maximum crispiness, using a clean kitchen towel or tofu press to remove excess moisture completely.
- Use extra-firm tofu for best texture and stability during frying, preventing crumbling and ensuring a crunchy exterior.
- Dust cornstarch evenly and shake off excess to create a light, crispy coating that won’t become soggy or clumpy.
- Maintain consistent medium heat while frying
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg