Sweet and Spicy Garlic Soy Glazed Tofu
Pan-Fried Tofu Braised in a Flavorful Garlic Soy Sauce
Tofu is one of those incredibly versatile ingredients that always comes in handy for quick meals. Its inherent nuttiness and soft texture make it a delicious canvas for countless flavors. I love experimenting with different tofu dishes, and the recipe I’m sharing today is a personal favorite. It features pan-fried tofu braised to perfection in a savory and slightly sweet garlic soy sauce that’s reminiscent of a delicious Kkanpung sauce. It’s an absolute winner as a side dish for rice or even as a simple, satisfying snack.
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 block Firm Tofu (approx. 200g)
- 1/3 Onion (small)
- A small piece of Carrot (approx. 20g)
- 1 Green Chili Pepper
- 1 Red Chili Pepper
- 10cm Scallion (mostly the white part)
Braising Sauce Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (like Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (or honey/sugar for sweetness)
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 3 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- A sprinkle of Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (like Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (or honey/sugar for sweetness)
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 3 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- A sprinkle of Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash and prepare all the ingredients. Gently pat the tofu dry to remove excess moisture.
Step 2
Cut the half block of tofu into 6 or 12 pieces, about 2-3cm thick. Cutting them into substantial pieces will prevent them from breaking apart during cooking and will improve their texture.
Step 3
Finely mince the onion, carrot, green chili pepper, and red chili pepper. Also, finely chop the scallion, focusing on the white parts. Minced vegetables will add depth of flavor and a pleasant texture to the sauce.
Step 4
Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat until it’s hot.
Step 5
Carefully place the cut tofu pieces into the preheated pan in a single layer. Ensure the pan is adequately hot before adding the tofu to prevent sticking.
Step 6
Pan-fry the tofu on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy. Achieving a nice sear on the outside will help the tofu absorb the sauce beautifully and enhance its flavor. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
Step 7
While the tofu is frying, heat a separate pan or wok over low heat with a little oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 8
Once the garlic is aromatic, add the minced vegetables (onion, carrot, chili peppers) and stir-fry until they soften slightly. This will bring out the natural sweetness and aroma of the vegetables.
Step 9
After stir-frying the vegetables, pour in the cooking wine, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Then, add the plum extract and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine the sauce ingredients.
Step 10
Your delicious braising sauce is now ready! The ingredients will meld together to create a rich and complex flavor.
Step 11
Add the pan-fried tofu to the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently, allowing the sauce to coat and penetrate the tofu evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and let it braise for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 12
Finally, stir in the sesame oil and garnish with the chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Transfer the braised tofu to a serving dish. It’s now ready to be enjoyed as a fantastic side dish!
