Savory Pan-Fried Tofu with Perilla Oil
Savory Pan-Fried Tofu with Perilla Oil
How to Make Pan-Fried Tofu: Perilla Oil Tofu Steak with Savory Soy Sauce Dip
This pan-fried tofu with perilla oil is a family favorite and a staple in our home! We love tofu in all its forms – whether it’s braised, in stews, or soups. Using a soft, silken tofu like ‘Popri Tofu’ makes it wonderfully delicate, so we often microwave it briefly to enjoy with kimchi. However, there’s something special about pan-frying it in fragrant perilla oil, sometimes paired with stir-fried kimchi. I often make this dish so quickly I forget to take photos, but it’s a recipe I make frequently. Here’s my go-to recipe for #PerillaOilTofuSteak #PanFriedTofu #TofuSteak #TofuDish, complete with a simple yet delicious soy sauce dip – perfect as a quick side dish or a tasty accompaniment with drinks. Tofu is truly one of my favorite ingredients! While this recipe involves pan-frying directly, coating the tofu in starch before frying creates a wonderfully crispy exterior with a soft, tender inside – a truly delightful tofu steak/dish. Recipe measurements use standard cups and spoons: 1 Tbsp = 15ml, 1 Cup = 200ml.
Main Ingredients- Tofu 320g
- Perilla oil 2 Tbsp
- Coarse salt a pinch
- Scallions (optional)
Soy Sauce Dip- Soy sauce 2 Tbsp
- Cooking wine 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 0.5 Tbsp
- Perilla oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 0.5 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 2 Tbsp
- Cooking wine 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 0.5 Tbsp
- Perilla oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 0.5 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, slice the tofu into pieces about 1 cm thick. Aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly.
Step 2
Lightly sprinkle the sliced tofu with coarse salt. To help draw out moisture, you can tilt your cutting board slightly so excess water drains away. Let it sit for about 10 minutes; you’ll notice quite a bit of liquid has been released.
Step 3
Place a non-stick pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of perilla oil. It’s best to add the oil to a pan that isn’t too hot to prevent it from burning. Some people prefer to add the oil to a cold pan and then turn on the heat to medium. This ensures the tofu fries gently without scorching.
Step 4
Gently press the tofu slices with a paper towel to absorb any remaining surface moisture. Carefully place the tofu slices into the heated pan. Pan-fry them on each side until they are golden brown and beautifully crisp.
Step 5
While the tofu is frying, prepare the soy sauce dip. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dip: 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp perilla oil, and 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Mix well.
Step 6
Once the tofu is perfectly golden and slightly crispy, arrange it attractively on a serving plate. Pour the prepared soy sauce dip into a small dish to serve alongside.
Step 7
Dipping the savory and tender pan-fried tofu into the flavorful soy sauce dip makes for a wonderfully satisfying meal. It’s a great option, especially if you’re looking for something easily digestible.
Step 8
Enjoying this delicious tofu with its dipping sauce can easily make a complete and hearty dinner. This simple yet flavorful tofu dish is a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal!
