Nutty Fried Tofu with Refreshing Wild Chives Salad
Easy Tofu Recipe, Perilla Oil Fried Tofu, Side Dish, Drink Pairing
Tofu is one of my absolute favorite side dishes, and I find it delicious no matter how it’s prepared! While tofu stew and stir-fried tofu are wonderful, sometimes I crave the simplicity of just pan-frying tofu, especially when I’m not in the mood for elaborate cooking. Today, I’m sharing how I pan-fry tofu in nutty perilla oil and top it with a vibrant, zesty wild chive salad. The rich aroma of perilla oil combined with the fresh, slightly pungent flavor of wild chives creates an unforgettable dish that never gets old. It’s perfect as a simple side dish for any meal or as a delightful accompaniment to a drink. #FriedTofu #PanSearedTofu #PerillaOilTofu #TofuRecipe #SideDish #Appetizer
Main Ingredients- 320g firm tofu
- Pinch of salt (e.g., “mat-so-geum” or other mild salt)
- Pinch of black pepper
For Frying- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the tofu. Slice the firm tofu into approximately 1cm thick pieces. Season both sides lightly with a pinch of salt (like mat-so-geum) and a sprinkle of black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the tofu.
Step 2
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of perilla oil and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the pan. The combination of perilla oil for its aroma and cooking oil for a higher smoke point helps the tofu fry evenly without burning. Carefully place the seasoned tofu slices into the hot pan. Let one side cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown, then flip them over.
Step 3
Once the first side is nicely golden, gently flip the tofu slices to the other side. Continue to pan-fry until the second side is also beautifully golden brown and slightly crisp. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure even cooking. (For an extra delightful experience, you can find a recipe for the wild chive salad here: https://m.blog.naver.com/wjdtj54/222667716310)
Step 4
The link above provides detailed instructions for making the wild chive salad. Once the tofu is perfectly pan-fried to a golden hue, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate. You can lightly pat it with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil if desired.
Step 5
Because the tofu is already seasoned, it’s delicious to enjoy on its own. However, adding a spoonful of the fresh and zesty wild chive salad on top elevates the dish significantly. The crisp texture of the chives complements the soft tofu wonderfully, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Step 6
For tonight’s dinner, how about trying this simple yet flavorful pan-fried tofu, also known as tofu steak or tofu pancake? The delightful nutty aroma of perilla oil combined with the refreshing wild chives will surely make your dinner special. Enjoy your delicious meal and have a wonderful evening!
