This Korean-style tofu dish is simple, crispy, and full of flavor. Golden-brown tofu is topped with a fresh soy sauce made with Korean chives, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and a little red pepper powder.
It is a great choice for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a simple side dish.
Ingredients
For the Pan-Fried Tofu
- 1 block of firm tofu
- Cooking oil, as needed
For the Chive Soy Sauce
- 20 g Korean chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon Korean red pepper powder
Optional ingredients & Substitutions: Korean chives and red pepper powder can be left out if you do not have them or prefer a non-spicy sauce. The sauce will still taste great with just soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
How to Make It
1. Remove Excess Water from the Tofu
Place the tofu on a clean plate or paper towels. Gently press it to remove as much extra water as possible. Removing excess water ensures better browning, helps the tofu become golden and slightly crispy, and prevents dangerous hot oil splatters during pan-frying.
2. Slice the Tofu
Cut the tofu into slices about 1 cm (about ⅓ inch) thick. Try to keep the slices similar in size so they cook evenly.
3. Pan-Fry the Tofu
Lightly coat a frying pan with cooking oil and heat it over medium heat. Place the tofu slices in the pan. Cook until the bottom becomes golden brown, then carefully turn them over. Cook both sides until they are nicely golden and lightly crisp.
4. Make the Chive Soy Sauce
While the tofu is cooking, finely chop the Korean chives. Mix the following ingredients in a small bowl:
- 20 g chopped Korean chives
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon red pepper powder (optional)
Stir well. Adjust the soy sauce or omit the red pepper powder according to your taste preference.
5. Serve
Place the golden tofu on a serving plate and spoon the chive soy sauce over the top. You can serve it warm as a simple Korean side dish.
Easy Serving Idea & Salad Variation
For a fresh and filling meal, cut the cooked pan-fried tofu into bite-sized pieces and toss it on top of your favorite salad. The warm, savory tofu pairs especially well with crisp lettuce, cucumber, or other fresh vegetables. You can also customize it by adding your favorite dressing.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
- Use firm tofu: Firm tofu holds its shape much better while slicing and frying.
- Always drain excess water: Moisture control prevents oil splattering and guarantees a crispy exterior.
- Cook over medium heat: Achieving a deep golden crust requires steady medium heat without burning the exterior.
- Avoid crowding the pan: Give each tofu slice enough space so they sear evenly rather than steam.
- Sauce timing: Spoon the chive soy sauce over the tofu just before serving for optimal flavor and crispy texture.
Enjoy your delicious home-cooked Korean-style pan-fried tofu!
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