
Crispy Outside, Tender Inside! Delicious Pan-Fried Tofu with Savory Dipping Sauce
Crispy Outside, Tender Inside! Delicious Pan-Fried Tofu with Savory Dipping Sauce
A Hearty Main Dish for Home: Soft Tofu Fried with Egg Coating and a Flavorful Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Here’s a simple tofu recipe that makes a wonderful meal! Pan-fried tofu, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, is perfectly complemented by a sweet and savory soy dipping sauce, making it an instant rice favorite. I’ll provide detailed step-by-step instructions so even beginners can easily follow along!
Tofu Frying Ingredients- 2 large eggs
- 1 block firm tofu (for frying or stewing)
Delicious Soy Dipping Sauce Ingredients- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp minced green onion
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp minced green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before frying the tofu, it’s important to remove as much moisture as possible. You can drain the tofu on a sieve for about 10 minutes, or pat the surface dry with paper towels to absorb excess water. If you have time, placing a heavy plate or pot on top of the tofu to press out the water will yield even better results.
Step 2
Once drained, cut the tofu into your desired size and thickness. Cutting it slightly thicker, like for a tofu and egg pancake, will give it a more satisfying texture. Lightly sprinkle salt on the cut surfaces of the tofu to season it; this will help the tofu absorb flavor and taste even better.
Step 3
For one block of tofu, two eggs are usually sufficient. Adjust the egg quantity based on the amount of tofu you are using. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them thoroughly with a fork or whisk to create an egg wash. Dip each piece of prepared tofu into the egg wash, ensuring it’s evenly coated on both sides. While you can pan-fry tofu with just perilla oil or cooking oil, coating it with egg makes it much softer and more flavorful.
Step 4
Heat a generous amount of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Place the egg-coated tofu pieces in the pan and fry until golden brown. It’s best to maintain a medium-low heat to prevent burning and ensure the tofu cooks through. Flip the tofu pieces as needed to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color on all sides. While the tofu is frying, you can prepare the delicious soy dipping sauce.
Step 5
Making the Soy Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 0.5 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp minced green onion. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Step 6
This dipping sauce is not only perfect for the pan-fried tofu but also versatile enough to be enjoyed with various dishes. It’s salty, sweet, and has a wonderful savory aroma.
Step 7
Arrange the perfectly fried tofu on a plate and serve with a drizzle of the prepared soy dipping sauce. Adding plenty of the minced green onion on top makes it even more delicious. Pan-fried tofu is best enjoyed immediately after cooking while it’s still warm, so savor it before it cools down!

