Nutty Pan-Fried Tofu with Perilla Oil Recipe
Savory Pan-Fried Tofu with Perilla Oil and Delicious Soy Sauce Dip
Experience the pure, nutty flavor of tofu with this simple yet delicious pan-fried tofu coated in fragrant perilla oil. It’s incredibly savory and mild, making it perfect as a light meal or a delightful side dish for your rice. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of tofu in a way that highlights its natural taste!
Tofu Frying Ingredients- 1 block (approx. 300g) firm tofu
- 1 pinch of salt
- 3 Tbsp perilla oil
Flavorful Dipping Sauce Ingredients- 2 Tbsp finely chopped green onion
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin, etc.)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped green onion
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin, etc.)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the tofu. Cut the block of tofu (about 300g) in half lengthwise, and then slice each half into pieces about 1cm thick. Aim for a thickness that won’t easily break apart during cooking.
Step 2
Lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt on both sides of the sliced tofu for seasoning. Let it sit for about 1-2 minutes to allow the salt to absorb slightly. This pre-seasoning enhances the tofu’s flavor from the inside out.
Step 3
Now, let’s pan-fry the tofu to perfection. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of flavorful perilla oil. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly. Place the seasoned tofu slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap too much.
Step 4
Pan-fry the tofu slices for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. The tofu is ready when it develops a beautiful golden-brown color and the edges begin to crisp up. This method results in a delightful contrast between a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
Step 5
Let’s whip up a fantastic dipping sauce to accompany the tofu! In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of finely chopped green onion, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of perilla oil, 1/2 tablespoon of red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Stir everything together well with a spoon. For an extra kick, you can add finely chopped chili peppers.
