Crispy and Tender Sweet and Spicy Gan Pung Tofu
Perfect as a Snack or a Side Dish! Making Crispy and Tender Gan Pung Tofu
Introducing the Gan Pung Tofu recipe, where crispy on the outside, tender on the inside tofu is wonderfully coated in a sweet and spicy Gan Pung sauce. It’s not only a great side dish for rice but also an excellent snack, and a perfect, cost-effective tofu dish for hosting guests. Experience a special flavor with simple ingredients!
Tofu Frying Ingredients- 1/2 block firm tofu (approx. 150g)
- 1/2 stalk green onion (white part mainly)
- 1 dried red chili
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Generous amount of cooking oil
Sweet and Spicy Gan Pung Sauce- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 4 Tbsp water
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- A little sesame seeds or black sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 4 Tbsp water
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- A little sesame seeds or black sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all your ingredients before you begin cooking. This is the first step to ensuring a perfectly executed recipe.
Step 2
Wash the green onion and finely chop the white part. Remove the seeds from the dried red chili and break it into small pieces. Having these prepped makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 3
Cut the tofu into approximately 2cm cubes. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the cubed tofu and let it marinate for 5 minutes. Next, use paper towels to firmly press out any excess moisture from the tofu’s surface. This crucial step prevents oil splattering and ensures the tofu becomes extra crispy. Once drained, evenly dust the tofu with cornstarch, coating each piece thinly. This cornstarch coating is the secret to achieving a wonderfully crispy texture.
Step 4
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a wok or deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the marinated and cornstarch-coated tofu. Roll the tofu pieces around, ensuring all sides are golden brown and crispy. Frying it this way will yield the best texture: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Step 5
In a separate pan, add a little cooking oil. Sauté the crumbled dried chili and chopped green onion over low heat until fragrant. As the aroma of the scallions and chili begins to release, add all the Gan Pung sauce ingredients: soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water. Stir well and let the sauce come to a gentle boil.
Step 6
Add the crispy fried tofu to the simmering Gan Pung sauce. Quickly toss the tofu to coat it evenly with the sauce. It’s important to stir-fry over high heat for a short time to prevent the tofu from becoming soggy by absorbing too much sauce. Finish by drizzling in the sesame oil and sprinkling some sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Your delicious Gan Pung Tofu is now ready!
Step 7
Even though it’s made with simple seasonings, the taste is surprisingly addictive! The combination of sweet, spicy, and crispy textures makes it a dish you’ll keep reaching for. Be sure to give this irresistible recipe a try!
