Crispy Fried Soft Tofu Salad with Savory Sesame Dressing
Crispy Fried Soft Tofu Salad with Savory Sesame Dressing
A Delicious Salad Featuring Crispy Fried Soft Tofu with a Creamy Sesame Dressing
This salad features delightfully chewy and tender fried soft tofu served with a nutty, homemade sesame dressing. The combination of the crunchy tofu exterior and soft interior, paired with the rich dressing and fresh greens, creates a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. It’s a perfect appetizer for guests or a light, satisfying meal.
For the Starch Slurry- 1 cup water
- 2 Tbsp potato starch
For the Sesame Dressing- 2 Tbsp whole sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
For the Salad- 1 block soft tofu (firm type for frying)
- Potato starch (for coating)
- Mixed fresh salad greens
- 2 Tbsp whole sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
For the Salad- 1 block soft tofu (firm type for frying)
- Potato starch (for coating)
- Mixed fresh salad greens
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the starch slurry. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with 2 Tbsp of potato starch. Whisk until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly into a slurry. Let it cool completely before using. This slurry will help the tofu crisp up when fried.
Step 2
Gently drain the block of soft tofu and cut it into 6 equal portions. Try to cut them into pieces that are not too thin, so they maintain a pleasant texture after frying.
Step 3
Wash the salad greens thoroughly and pat them dry. Tear or cut them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a serving bowl. These fresh greens will add a vibrant contrast to the dish.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the savory sesame dressing. In a blender or mortar, finely grind 2 Tbsp of whole sesame seeds. Add the ground sesame seeds to a bowl along with 2 Tbsp of plum extract, 1/2 Tbsp of soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp of sesame oil, and 3 Tbsp of mayonnaise. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 5
Heat your frying oil to 170°C (approximately 340°F). You can test the temperature by dipping a wooden chopstick into the oil; if small bubbles form around it, the oil is ready. Coat each piece of tofu evenly with potato starch. Carefully place the coated tofu pieces into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the fried tofu and drain on paper towels.
Step 6
Arrange the freshly fried tofu pieces attractively on a serving plate. Generously drizzle the prepared sesame dressing over the crispy tofu.
Step 7
Finally, artfully arrange the prepared salad greens on top of the fried tofu. The fresh greens, crispy tofu, and rich dressing come together for a beautiful and delicious salad.
Step 8
Cut the soft tofu into 6 portions.
