Fried Tofu topped with Spicy Scallion Soy Sauce

I'm on a bit of a kick right now for "small plates" or Korean side dishes, banchan. Because hopefully what my readers can do is find a variety of different "small plates" or "banchan" dishes and put together meals more easily than they have in the past. I try and choose those dishes that require simple preparation but are yummy and readily eaten by all members of the family. This tofu dish is a huge hit with Daughters and Husband (and ME) as it is delicious hot, or room temperature and tastes delicious. The frying part of the tofu is the most difficult (meaning the most messy) as you can have splatters everywhere, but the rest of the dish is so easy that you won't mind the frying part too much.

Fried Tofu with Spicy Scallion Soy Sauce
serves 4

1 block of firm tofu
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, more if needed

Sauce
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (I prefer low sodium for almost all of my cooking)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil (Kadoya brand is my preference)
3 tablespoons chopped scallions
1-2 teaspoons of red chili powder (고추가루 gochu gahloo) - optional if you do not want spice
2 teaspoons sesame seed

Directions
Carefully slice tofu. Make one cut down the center and then cut into even 3/4 inch thick pieces. You should get about 16 pieces of tofu. On a plate, lay down a piece of paper towel. You will drain the tofu on here AFTER cooking.

In a heavy fry pan over medium high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Carefully lay down tofu pieces. CAREFUL! It can begin to splatter. Use caution. Cook until golden and crisp on one side (about 3 minutes) and carefully turn over so that it gets golden and crisp on the other side (another 3 minutes). Remove from pan and place on plate with the paper towel. (It collects the excess oil.) Repeat until all tofu is cooked.

In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients for the sauce together.

Plate the tofu on your serving dish. Carefully spoon a small amount of sauce on top of each slice of tofu. Can be served hot or warm.

Printable recipe

A plate of beautiful tofu (this one is without the chili powder)

Share this post