Crispy and Soft Tofu Gangjeong
Crispy Outside, Soft Inside! The Irresistible Sweet and Savory Tofu Gangjeong Recipe
Tofu Gangjeong, with its wonderfully crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, is a delightful dish that appeals to all ages. Try coating tofu in starch, deep-frying it until golden and crisp, then tossing it in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a versatile dish perfect as a side for rice, a hearty snack, or even a delicious accompaniment to drinks when you’re feeling peckish. We highly recommend you give this recipe a try!
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 1.5 cups Starch (potato or corn starch)
- Plenty of cooking oil (for frying)
- A pinch of salt
Sauce Ingredients- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (Korean corn syrup, for shine and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Water
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds (for flavor and garnish)
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (Korean corn syrup, for shine and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Water
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds (for flavor and garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare one block of firm tofu. Gently rinse it under running water, then pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the starch adhere better and prevents oil splattering during frying. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in size.
Step 2
Place the cubed tofu in a bowl and generously coat it with 1.5 cups of starch. Gently toss or shake the tofu to ensure each piece is evenly covered. This starch coating is key to achieving a super crispy exterior.
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the starch-coated tofu pieces, making sure they don’t touch each other. Fry them until they turn a golden brown and crispy, similar to deep-frying.
Step 4
Once the tofu is golden and crisp on all sides, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps to drain any excess oil, resulting in a cleaner and more pleasant texture.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce. In a clean pan or pot, combine 4 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp gochujang, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp oligodang, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and 2 Tbsp water. Mix all the ingredients well. Feel free to adjust the amount of gochujang or sugar to suit your preference for spiciness and sweetness.
Step 6
Place the pan with the sauce ingredients over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Once the sauce starts bubbling, reduce the heat slightly and let it cook until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
Step 7
When the sauce has reached the desired consistency, carefully add the fried tofu pieces to the pan. Gently toss the tofu to ensure it’s evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
Step 8
Increase the heat to high and stir-fry quickly for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the tofu beautifully and thicken further. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra nutty flavor and visual appeal. Continue to stir-fry until the sauce is almost completely reduced and clings to the tofu.
Step 9
Your Tofu Gangjeong is ready! Serve it on a plate and enjoy this delightful dish. It’s best enjoyed while still warm to savor the perfect contrast of crispy outside and soft inside. Enjoy your meal!
