Delicious Tofu Rice: A North Korean Delicacy for Special Occasions
Tofu Rice, a must-have dish for celebrations in North Korea, as featured in ‘Crash Landing on You’!
While re-watching the drama ‘Crash Landing on You,’ I discovered Tofu Rice, a special dish made for celebrations in North Korea. It’s similar to our Korean fried tofu pockets (yubu chobap) but has its own unique charm. Let’s make this delightful North Korean specialty at home!
Tofu Rice Ingredients- 1 block of firm tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1 cup potato starch (approx. 100g)
- 3 stalks of green onions
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 bowl of warm cooked rice
- A little sesame oil
Tofu Rice Seasoning Sauce- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- A pinch of black pepper
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- A pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’re making ‘Tofu Rice,’ a special treat from North Korea, perfect for festive occasions. The combination of crispy exterior, soft interior tofu, and rice is truly exceptional.
Step 2
First, let’s prepare the tofu. Take one block of firm tofu and cut it into 4 equal pieces diagonally. Avoid cutting them too thin, as it will make filling them easier.
Step 3
After slicing the tofu, use paper towels to thoroughly press out all the excess moisture. Removing the water is crucial for the starch to adhere well and for the tofu to become extra crispy when fried.
Step 4
Coat the dried tofu pieces evenly with potato starch. Ensure the entire surface is lightly and uniformly covered, like a light batter. Gently shake off any excess starch.
Step 5
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the starch-coated tofu pieces into the pan. Fry them until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 6
While the tofu is frying, let’s prepare the seasoning sauce. Finely chop 3 green onions. In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well, then add the chopped green onions and stir again.
Step 7
Once the tofu is nicely browned, remove it from the pan and let it cool slightly. Carefully make a slit in the center of each tofu piece to create a pocket, scooping out some of the inside without breaking the tofu. Mix the scooped-out tofu with 1 bowl of warm cooked rice and a little sesame oil. Then, gently fill the pockets with this seasoned rice mixture. Don’t pack the rice too tightly to maintain a pleasant texture.
Step 8
Using a spoon, generously spread the prepared seasoning sauce over the filled tofu. Make sure the sauce is applied thoroughly, allowing it to seep into the tofu and rice filling.
Step 9
And there you have it – ‘Tofu Rice,’ a dish made with love, traditionally enjoyed during celebrations and special days in North Korea. The delightful combination of savory seasoning, tender tofu, and fluffy rice is simply divine.
Step 10
Enjoy this Tofu Rice, which offers a unique charm distinct from Korean yubu chobap. It’s perfect as a hearty meal or a special treat for any occasion! It’s a dish that brings joy both in the making and the eating.
