Crispy Outside, Tender Inside! Easy Homemade Pan-Fried Tofu with Savory Dipping Sauce
Perfect Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu and Delicious Dipping Sauce Recipe for Beginners
Here’s a simple recipe for ‘crispy outside, tender inside’ pan-fried tofu, accompanied by a quick and flavorful dipping sauce. It’s a fantastic side dish for rice or a great snack!
Pan-Fried Tofu Ingredients
- Tofu, 1 block (approx. 300g)
- Frying powder, 3 Tbsp
- Eggs, 2
- Cooking oil, approx. 5 Tbsp
Dipping Sauce Ingredients
- Soy sauce, 4 Tbsp
- Sesame oil, 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds, 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce, 4 Tbsp
- Sesame oil, 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds, 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully gather and prepare all the ingredients listed for this recipe. Having everything ready beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
We’ll start by making the dipping sauce, which is key to the deliciousness of the pan-fried tofu. In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. The pungent aroma of garlic will enhance the sauce’s flavor.
Step 3
Next, add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference for spiciness.
Step 4
Pour in 4 tablespoons of soy sauce to add a savory depth to the sauce. The balance of salty and slightly sweet notes from the soy sauce is wonderful.
Step 5
For a nutty and aromatic finish, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. It’s best to add sesame oil towards the end to preserve its fragrance.
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. These seeds will boost the sauce’s nutty flavor and add a pleasant visual appeal.
Step 7
Whisk all the sauce ingredients together thoroughly with a spoon. Your thick and appetizing dipping sauce for the pan-fried tofu is now ready. You can use it immediately, or let it sit for a bit to allow the flavors to meld further.
Step 8
Now, let’s prepare the star of our dish: the tofu. Cut the 300g block of tofu (about one standard block) into slices approximately 1.5cm thick. Place the cut tofu pieces on several layers of paper towels and gently press down to remove as much moisture as possible. Excess moisture can cause oil splattering during frying and prevent the tofu from becoming crispy.
Step 9
Prepare the coatings for frying. In a wide dish, place 3 tablespoons of frying powder. In a separate bowl, whisk 2 eggs to create an egg wash. Having these ready makes it easy to coat the tofu.
Step 10
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. You’ll need enough oil so the tofu fries nicely without burning.
Step 11
Dredge the moisture-pressed tofu slices in the frying powder, coating both sides evenly. Lightly shake off any excess powder.
Step 12
Dip the flour-coated tofu into the prepared egg wash, ensuring both sides are fully covered. Make sure the egg wash adheres well to the tofu.
Step 13
Carefully place the egg-coated tofu slices into the preheated pan. Fry over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side until equally golden and crisp. This method ensures the tofu is crispy on the outside and wonderfully tender on the inside. Be mindful not to use heat that’s too high, as this could burn the outside before the inside is cooked through.
Step 14
Arrange the perfectly fried tofu pieces attractively on a serving plate. Once plated nicely, spoon a little of the prepared savory dipping sauce over each piece of tofu. Enjoy the exquisite combination of the crispy tofu and the flavorful sauce! Enjoy your meal!
