Crispy Korean Fried Tofu
These sweet and crunchy tofu bites are a plant-based twist on Korea’s beloved Dakgangjeong (crispy chicken in sticky glaze). Cubed tofu is lightly coated in starch, fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a glossy, sweet-spicy sauce made with ketchup, gochujang, and garlic. Crispy when hot, chewy when cool, they make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or meat-free side dish that even kids will love.
Equipment
- Nonstick Skillet
- Silicone spatula
- Mixing Bowls (Stackable)
- Knife Or Tofu Press
Ingredients
Tofu
- 300g firm tofu
- 3 tbsp potato starch (or cornstarch)
- Oil for frying
Sauce (measured with rice spoon or standard tablespoons)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp starch syrup (or oligosaccharide syrup / honey)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 4 tbsp ketchup
- 0.7 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste – adjust to taste)
- 0.2 tbsp minced garlic (just a touch)
- 7 tbsp water
Optional Garnish
- Chopped peanuts or sliced almonds
- Parsley flakes or green onion
Instructions
Prep the Tofu
- Pat dry the tofu using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Slice it into cubes: Cut the block into quarters both horizontally and vertically to make bite-sized pieces.
- Place tofu cubes in a plastic bag or bowl. Add 3 tbsp starch, and gently toss until all sides are evenly coated.
Fry Until Golden
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
- Add tofu pieces, spacing them apart to avoid sticking.
- Fry until crispy and golden on all sides, turning occasionally. Remove and let cool slightly on paper towels.
- 💡 Tip: You can double fry for even more crunch! Simply let them rest a few minutes, then fry again until deeper golden.
Make the Sauce
- In a clean pan over low heat, combine sugar, soy sauce, syrup, ketchup, gochujang, garlic, and water.
- Stir continuously. Once it begins to boil, simmer for about 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Turn off the heat.
Toss and Serve
- Add the crispy tofu into the pan with the sauce and gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Transfer to a serving plate.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and parsley flakes, if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot as a snack, pair with steamed rice as a meal, or enjoy as a side dish. Great for lunchboxes too!