Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu with Stir-fried Peppers
A Unique Tofu Dish: Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu and Korean Green Peppers
Today, I’m sharing a special recipe for Tofu and Korean Green Pepper Stir-fry! We’ll be pan-frying the tofu until golden brown and slightly crispy using perilla oil, then simmering it with tender Korean green peppers. This dish offers a delightful contrast in textures and a rich, savory flavor that’s a delightful departure from typical braised tofu. Learn the secrets to achieving perfectly crispy tofu even without cornstarch, and how to create a simple yet impressive tofu meal. Using freshly picked peppers from your garden will elevate the taste even further.
Main Ingredients
- Tofu 160g, 2 blocks
- Korean green peppers 8
- Red chili pepper 1
Tofu Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Fish sauce (anchovy extract) 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Sesame seeds 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide (corn syrup) 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Fish sauce (anchovy extract) 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Sesame seeds 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide (corn syrup) 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare fresh Korean green peppers, ideally picked from your garden. Feel free to mix in other types of peppers like cucumber peppers or chili peppers for added variety and flavor.
Step 2
Gently press the tofu blocks with paper towels to remove as much excess water as possible. Cut the drained tofu into approximately 1.5cm x 1.5cm cubes. Season the cubed tofu with a pinch of salt and pepper. This step helps to enhance the tofu’s natural flavor.
Step 3
Trim the stems off the Korean green peppers and cut them in half. Finely chop the red chili pepper for color. Adding colorful ingredients makes the dish visually appealing.
Step 4
Heat a generous amount of perilla oil and grapeseed oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the seasoned tofu cubes and pan-fry them. Gently turn the tofu pieces, ensuring they become golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. Once browned, transfer the tofu to a separate plate.
Step 5
While the tofu is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and oligosaccharide. Set aside the sesame oil for later.
Step 6
Using the same pan where the tofu was fried, add the cut Korean green peppers and red chili pepper. Stir-fry them briefly until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a gentle boil.
Step 7
Once the sauce is simmering, add the pan-fried tofu back into the pan. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and is nicely coating the tofu. Be mindful of the heat to prevent sticking. Finish by drizzling in the sesame oil and mixing well. Your delicious Tofu and Korean Green Pepper Stir-fry is ready!
Step 8
Serve the finished stir-fry in a serving dish. Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy tofu and savory peppers.
Step 9
I often make tofu dishes, but this time I decided to try a variation by pan-frying the tofu to achieve a crispy exterior and a soft interior, then simmering it with green peppers. Although pan-frying takes a bit longer, the resulting texture and flavor are well worth the extra effort.
Step 10
The pan-fried tofu is wonderfully chewy and savory. While it’s delicious on its own, simmering it with the green peppers and sauce infuses the tofu with even more flavor. This dish, served with kimchi, makes for a satisfying and complete meal.
