Chewy Tofu and Savory Perilla Seed Fried Rice: A Delicious Combination
Tofu, Cabbage, and Perilla Seed Fried Rice
This fried rice is a personal favorite! Pan-fried tofu with a satisfying chewy texture, combined with cabbage and rice, creates a wonderful mouthfeel, enhanced by the rich, nutty flavor of perilla seed powder. It’s not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy a well-rounded meal. The unique savory taste makes it truly special.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 block firm tofu (approx. 150g)
- 80g cabbage
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chili peppers (or your preferred spicy pepper)
- A little chopped green onion (for garnish)
- A little sesame seeds (for garnish)
Seasoning Sauce- 1 Tbsp perilla seed powder
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp oyster sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp perilla seed powder
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp oyster sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all the ingredients for this flavorful fried rice. Drain the tofu thoroughly with paper towels and cut it into bite-sized cubes (about 1.5cm). Chop the cabbage into rough shreds or dice it. Mince the garlic finely. Slice the chili peppers thinly (remove seeds if you prefer less heat). Chop the green onions for garnish.
Step 2
Mix all the seasoning sauce ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. The nutty aroma of perilla seed powder will be best if mixed just before adding. Stir the soy sauce and oyster sauce until fully incorporated.
Step 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the prepared tofu cubes and pan-fry them until golden brown and slightly firm on all sides. Frying the tofu until crispy will give it a delightful chewy texture in the fried rice. Once browned, set the tofu aside.
Step 4
In the same pan (or a clean one), add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced chili peppers, and the white parts of the chopped green onions. Sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Infusing the oil with these aromatics is key to the flavor.
Step 5
Once the aromatics are fragrant, add the chopped cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes over medium heat until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still retains some crispness. Avoid overcooking, as you want to keep its crunchy texture.
Step 6
When the cabbage is slightly tender, add the cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice and mix everything evenly. Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce for seasoning, ensuring the rice is coated with the sauce. Stir-fry until the rice is well combined.
Step 7
Finally, return the pan-fried tofu to the pan. Add the prepared seasoning sauce (perilla seed powder, sesame oil, and pepper). Stir-fry over high heat for a minute more, ensuring all ingredients and the sauce are thoroughly mixed. Quickly stir-frying at the end helps meld the flavors. Garnish with sesame seeds and the remaining chopped green onions before serving.
