Crispy Tofu with Perilla Leaves
How to Make Crispy Outside, Tender Inside Tofu with Perilla Leaves
Tofu is a staple in my refrigerator, perfect for side dishes, stews, or soups. This time, I’ve transformed simple tofu into a delightful crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside creation, enhanced with the aromatic flavor of perilla leaves. It’s a fantastic side dish that’s both easy and satisfying.
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 0.5 cup frying mix (kr. ‘twigimgaru’, approx. 50g)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Perilla Leaf Sauce- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (like Mirin)
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 4 perilla leaves
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (like Mirin)
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 4 perilla leaves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To achieve a perfectly crispy texture when frying, it’s best to let the tofu release some of its moisture. Take the block of tofu out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook. Place it on a plate, allowing excess water to drain. This step makes the tofu firmer and easier to handle during frying.
Step 2
Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, as preferred. Gently pat the surface of the cut tofu dry with paper towels to remove any remaining moisture. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper, distributing them evenly.
Step 3
While the tofu is seasoning, let’s prepare the flavorful perilla leaf sauce. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cooking wine. Stir well. The cooking wine helps to eliminate any raw flavors and adds a depth of umami.
Step 4
To the soy sauce and wine mixture, add 0.5 tablespoon of sesame oil for its nutty aroma and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5
Wash the 4 perilla leaves thoroughly and pat them dry. Fold each leaf in half lengthwise, then roll them up tightly and thinly slice them crosswise to create fine shreds. Thinly sliced perilla leaves will infuse their flavor beautifully into the sauce and provide a pleasant texture.
Step 6
Add the shredded perilla leaves to the prepared sauce. Gently toss them to coat evenly. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes so the perilla leaves can absorb the sauce’s flavors. This completes your delicious sauce for the tofu!
Step 7
Place 0.5 cup of frying mix into a plastic bag or resealable pouch. Carefully add the seasoned tofu pieces into the bag. Seal the bag tightly, then gently shake it to coat the tofu evenly with the frying mix. Ensure there are no clumps.
Step 8
A little tip for an even coating: Shake the sealed bag gently to distribute the flour. This method ensures that each piece of tofu gets a light and consistent layer of the crispy coating, preventing large clumps.
Step 9
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the coated tofu pieces into the hot oil. Fry them, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Aim for a beautiful golden color and ensure the inside is cooked through and tender.
Step 10
Once perfectly golden and crispy, transfer the fried tofu to a plate, perhaps lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Arrange the tofu attractively on a serving dish. Finally, spoon the prepared perilla leaf sauce generously over the top. Your delicious Crispy Tofu with Perilla Leaves is ready to be enjoyed!
