Crispy Korean Sweet & Spicy Tofu “Gangjeong” Recipe
Make Delicious Tofu “Gangjeong” with a Sweet and Savory Korean Fried Chicken Flavor
Today, I’m bringing you a dish that kids will absolutely love! It’s so addictively sweet and subtly spicy that you’ll keep reaching for more. It’s Tofu Gangjeong! While it makes a fantastic side dish, it’s also a wonderful snack for children, and if you spice it up a bit, it becomes a perfect companion for drinks. Let’s make this incredibly flavorful Tofu Gangjeong simply and easily!
Ingredients
- Firm Tofu (about 1 block)
- 3 Tbsp Frying Flour (Buchim Garu)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Oligosaccharide (or Corn Syrup)
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the tofu. Take one block of firm tofu and gently pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Then, cut it into bite-sized cubes, about 2-3 cm (roughly 1 inch) square. Cutting it beforehand makes it easier to coat and fry evenly.
Step 2
Now, let’s give the tofu a crispy coating! Take a resealable plastic bag or any large bag and add the 3 tablespoons of frying flour. Place the cubed tofu into the bag. Close the bag and shake it gently but thoroughly. The goal is to evenly coat each piece of tofu with the flour. Be careful not to shake too vigorously, as this can cause the tofu to break apart. This bag method is a super convenient way to get an even coating, similar to how you might coat ingredients for pancakes like ‘Hobakjeon’. If you prefer, you can also spread the frying flour on a wide plate or tray and then roll the tofu pieces in it to coat.
Step 3
It’s time to make the delicious sauce that will make this Tofu Gangjeong so special! In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 0.5 tablespoon of sugar, 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, and 1 tablespoon of oligosaccharide. Whisk everything together with a spoon or whisk until well combined and you have a smooth, glossy sauce.
Step 4
Now for the frying! Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the flour-coated tofu cubes into the hot oil, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use cooking tongs to gently flip the tofu pieces to prevent them from breaking. Once they are nicely fried, remove the tofu from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step helps achieve an even crispier texture.
Step 5
Next, we’ll reduce the sauce. After removing the fried tofu, you can either wipe out the pan or use a clean one. Pour the prepared Tofu Gangjeong sauce into the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and let it bubble. It’s important to manage the heat carefully – if it’s too high, the sauce can burn. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly to a syrupy consistency.
Step 6
Once the sauce is bubbling and has reached your desired consistency, add the fried tofu back into the pan. Gently toss and stir the tofu in the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Mix carefully to avoid crushing the tofu. The key here is to coat the tofu thoroughly without breaking it. Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds over the top for a lovely garnish. Your delicious Tofu Gangjeong is almost ready!
Step 7
And there you have it – beautifully finished Tofu Gangjeong! This is a tofu dish that appeals to all ages. Its flavor, reminiscent of sweet Korean fried chicken, makes it a huge hit, especially with children. While it’s not spicy by default, you can easily add chili flakes to the sauce for a kick, making it a fantastic appetizer or snack. I personally enjoyed it as a side dish with rice. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors is truly delightful. Why not try making this unique Tofu Gangjeong today for a delicious and healthy meal!
