Spicy and Sweet Gan Pao Tofu
Spicy Gan Pao Sauce Tofu Side Dish: The Ultimate Gan Pao Tofu Recipe
Gan Pao Tofu, made with tender tofu instead of meat, is a universally loved side dish. Tofu is well-known for being rich in protein and is also a representative source of calcium. Utilizing tofu instead of meat helps reduce cholesterol and fat intake. This tofu and soy sauce braised recipe is familiar yet unique, and can be a gentle stimulus for picky eaters. Furthermore, we’ll introduce a tofu and soy sauce braised recipe that transforms into a delicious rice bowl just by placing it on top of white rice. Enjoy this delightful tofu dish!
Main Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 onion (approx. 80g)
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper (approx. 10g)
- 1 red chili pepper (approx. 10g)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
Gan Pao Sauce
- 4 Tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup
- 4 Tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Drain the tofu slightly on a sieve, then cut it into bite-sized cubes, about 2cm. Cutting the tofu too small can make it difficult to handle when frying, so it’s important to cut it into a size that’s easy to eat in one bite.
Step 2
Finely chop the onion. Remove the seeds from the red and Cheongyang chili peppers, then thinly slice them. Adding Cheongyang chili peppers will give the Gan Pao Tofu its characteristic refreshing and spicy flavor. If you’re serving children who dislike spicy food, you can adjust the amount of Cheongyang chili or omit it altogether.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the sliced red chili pepper, Cheongyang chili pepper, and the chopped onion. Add the Gan Pao sauce ingredients: 4 Tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 Tbsp plum extract, and 1 Tbsp corn syrup. Mix them well to create the sauce. The sweetness of plum extract can vary by brand, so adjust the amount to your preference if you prefer it sweeter. Stir until the sauce is well combined.
Step 4
Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the cubed tofu in the pan and fry until golden brown on all sides. Frying the tofu sufficiently will give it a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. Flip the tofu occasionally to ensure it browns evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 5
Once the tofu is nicely browned on all sides, pour all of the prepared Gan Pao sauce into the pan. Stir and cook the tofu in the sauce, flipping it occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. You’ll soon smell a delicious aroma!
Step 6
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the sauce is slightly reduced but still has a glossy consistency. Avoid cooking it too dry, as this can make the tofu tough. It’s best to leave a little bit of moist sauce for a tender result. Serve over warm rice for a rice bowl, or as a side dish. Enjoy your delicious meal!
