Tender Beef Rolls with Silken Tofu
Tender Beef Rolls with Silken Tofu: A Delicious Combination of Soft Tofu and Savory Beef
Looking to add a special touch to your meals or impress your guests? Today, we’re sharing a delightful recipe for ‘Tender Beef Rolls with Silken Tofu,’ where soft tofu and flavorful beef come together in perfect harmony. By using thinly sliced beef, perfect for shabu-shabu, we’ll wrap it around tofu and perilla leaves, then pan-fry it to create a nutritious dish packed with both animal and plant-based proteins. If you have leftover thinly sliced beef for bulgogi or shabu-shabu, this is a fantastic way to use it! Dipped in our special savory sauce, each bite is a burst of clean, delicious flavor. Elevate your dining experience with this unique beef recipe that promises a wonderful meal.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block (approx. 300g) Tofu
- 12 Perilla leaves (깻잎)
- 12 slices Thinly sliced beef (for shabu-shabu or bulgogi)
- 1 Cheongyang pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil, as needed
Special Dipping Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Soy sauce (Guk-ganjang preferred)
- 1 Tbsp Corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp Maesil-cheong (Plum extract)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking wine (Mirin)
- Pinch of Black pepper
- 1 tsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp Soy sauce (Guk-ganjang preferred)
- 1 Tbsp Corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp Maesil-cheong (Plum extract)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking wine (Mirin)
- Pinch of Black pepper
- 1 tsp Toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the tofu. Carefully open the tofu package and cut the block into long, rectangular sticks, about 1.5 cm thick. Cutting neatly will enhance the presentation of your dish.
Step 2
Place the tofu sticks on a layer of kitchen paper towels. Gently press down to absorb excess moisture from the surface of the tofu. Removing as much water as possible will prevent splattering oil during cooking and help develop a better texture and flavor.
Step 3
Season the drained tofu sticks evenly with salt and black pepper. Ensure all sides are lightly seasoned so the flavor permeates the tofu, making it more delicious. This step enhances the tofu’s natural subtle taste.
Step 4
Now, prepare the pan for searing the tofu. Lightly coat the bottom of the pan with cooking oil. Avoid using too much oil, as it can make the final dish greasy.
Step 5
Heat the pan over medium-low heat. Carefully place the seasoned tofu sticks in the pan, arranging them in a single layer. It’s important to cook over gentle heat to ensure the tofu cooks through without burning the exterior.
Step 6
Turn the tofu sticks occasionally, searing them until all sides are golden brown and appealing. Aim for a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. This process deepens the tofu’s flavor.
Step 7
Once nicely browned, transfer the cooked tofu sticks to a plate lined with fresh kitchen paper towels. This will absorb any excess oil, resulting in a lighter, more enjoyable dish. Let them cool slightly.
Step 8
Prepare the perilla leaves and thinly sliced beef. You’ll need one perilla leaf and one slice of beef for each tofu stick. Wash and thoroughly dry the perilla leaves. Gently separate the beef slices.
Step 9
Lay a perilla leaf flat. Place a cooled, seared tofu stick in the center. The aromatic perilla leaf will add a wonderful fragrance to the tofu. Gently roll the perilla leaf around the tofu.
Step 10
Next, take a slice of beef and lay it flat. Place the perilla-wrapped tofu onto the beef slice. Carefully wrap the beef around the perilla-wrapped tofu, ensuring it’s completely covered. Overlap the edges of the beef slightly to secure it.
Step 11
Add a very small amount of oil to the same pan used for the tofu, or a clean one. Place the beef rolls seam-side down (or where the beef is overlapped) onto the pan. Cook over medium heat, ensuring the beef cooks evenly without burning.
Step 12
Continue to cook the beef rolls, turning them gently, until the beef is browned all over and has a nice, appetizing color. Be mindful not to overcook, keeping the beef moist. Your delicious beef rolls are now ready.
Step 13
Let’s make the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp corn syrup, 1 Tbsp maesil-cheong, and 1 Tbsp cooking wine. Add a pinch of black pepper. For a spicy touch, finely mince 1 Cheongyang pepper and add it. Finish with a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 14
Slice the cooked beef rolls into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm thick. Arrange them attractively on a serving plate. Serve with the prepared dipping sauce on the side. The subtle aroma of perilla leaves, the creamy texture of the tofu, and the moistness of the beef create a harmonious flavor profile. Dip them into the sauce for an extra layer of taste. Enjoy your delicious creation!
