Savory Pan-Fried Tofu with Chili Bean Sauce
Easy Recipe for Pan-Fried Tofu, Chinese-Inspired Tofu Dish with Doubanjiang, Soy Sauce, and a Delicious Salty-Spicy Flavor
Hello everyone, it’s Superpower! Today, I’ve made Pan-Fried Tofu. It’s similar to the Korean braised tofu dish, but with a slight difference due to the addition of Doubanjiang (chili bean paste). In Korean, it’s called ‘Guun Dubu’, and in Chinese, it’s known as ‘Xiang Jian Doufu’ (香煎豆腐), which literally translates to ‘fragrant pan-fried tofu’. With the combination of soy sauce and Doubanjiang, it’s delightfully salty and perfectly spicy, making it a delicious dish! Let’s get started with how to make this amazing Pan-Fried Tofu.
Main Ingredients- Tofu, 1/2 block (or 1 block, depending on preference)
- Cooking oil, as needed
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s crucial to remove excess water from the tofu. Use paper towels to gently press and absorb as much moisture as possible. This step ensures the tofu holds its shape and fries up beautifully without crumbling. Once drained, cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2
Next, prepare the aromatics. Cut the green onion in half lengthwise and then into large pieces. Thinly slice the garlic cloves. Cutting them into larger pieces will release a richer aroma when sautéed and make them easier to remove later if desired.
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the cut tofu pieces and pan-fry them until golden brown on all sides. Once nicely browned, transfer the fried tofu to a plate and set aside temporarily.
Step 4
In the same pan (you can add a little more oil if needed), sauté the sliced green onions and garlic over medium-low heat until fragrant. Once the aroma of the green onions and garlic has developed, push them to one side of the pan. Add the seasoning ingredients: Doubanjiang (2 Tbsp), soy sauce (2 Tbsp), sugar (1 Tbsp), and water (200ml). Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 5
Once the sauce begins to bubble and simmer,
Step 6
Carefully add the pan-fried tofu back into the simmering sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors. Gently stir occasionally to ensure the tofu is evenly coated. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this can break the tofu.
Step 7
Finally, garnish with the larger pieces of green onion on top for a beautiful finish!
Step 8
Your delicious, savory, and slightly spicy Pan-Fried Tofu is ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
