Chili Oil Tofu

Chili Oil Tofu is a delightful Korean snack featuring crispy tofu drizzled with a spicy and aromatic chili oil. This dish offers a perfect balance of heat and flavor, making it an irresistible treat for any vegetarian.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu - 300 grams
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated
• Red pepper flakes (gochugaru) - 1 tablespoon
• Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Scallions - 2, chopped
• Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Place a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes.
2. Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and season with salt.
3. Coat each tofu cube lightly with cornstarch for extra crispiness.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
5. In a separate small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over low heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add red pepper flakes (gochugaru) to the garlic-ginger mixture and stir for 30 seconds.
7. Remove from heat and stir in soy sauce and sesame oil to create the chili oil.
8. Once the tofu is crispy, remove it from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
9. Drizzle the chili oil over the crispy tofu and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
10. Serve immediately as a flavorful snack.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, supporting muscle health.
• Chili oil can boost metabolism and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

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