Crispy and Delicious Tofu and Gim (Seaweed) Stir-fry: A Rice-Stealing Side Dish for Lunch Boxes!
Recipe for Tofu and Gim Stir-fry, a Perfect Dinner Side
Enjoy it freshly made for a crispy texture, or save it for a delicious lunch box side dish later. This Tofu and Gim Stir-fry is incredibly versatile!
Main Ingredients- 1 block of Tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 1 pack of small Lunch Box Gim (seaweed sheets)
- A little Potato Starch (or Corn Starch)
Braising Sauce- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine)
- 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 4 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Maltose)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine)
- 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 4 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Maltose)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the delicious braising sauce. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of tangy vinegar, 2 tablespoons of mirin for umami, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce for deep flavor, and 4 tablespoons of corn syrup for sweetness. Whisk everything together with a whisk or spoon until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside.
Step 2
Now, it’s time to cut the tofu. Prepare one block of tofu and cut it into approximately 16 equal pieces, meaning divide it into quarters and then quarters again. Aim for bite-sized pieces. Avoid cutting them too thin, as they might break easily.
Step 3
Next, we’ll coat the tofu with seaweed and starch. Take one piece of cut tofu and gently press a sheet of lunch box gim onto one of its sides, fitting the shape. Once the gim is attached, lightly press down. Then, coat the tofu and gim generously with potato starch on all sides. This starch coating will help create a crispy texture when fried and allow the sauce to adhere better.
Step 4
Now, let’s pan-fry the prepared tofu until golden brown. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the starch-coated tofu pieces into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning and ensure all sides are evenly crisped. This frying step is crucial for achieving that delightful crispy exterior.
Step 5
Finally, the last step! Push the fried tofu pieces to the side of the pan or transfer them to a temporary plate. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and let it come to a simmer. Once the sauce is bubbling, return the fried tofu to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to braise for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the tofu evenly. When the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu with a glossy sheen, it’s ready! Enjoy it hot for immediate enjoyment, or let it cool for a more concentrated savory flavor, making it an excellent side dish for packed lunches.
