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Tofu bulgogi
Tofu in bulgogi marinade
두부불고기 · Crisp tofu glazed in a sweet bulgogi marinade of soy, pear, garlic and sesame
Tofu bulgogi (두부불고기) takes the famous sweet and savoury bulgogi marinade, usually made for thin slices of beef, and uses it on golden pan-fried tofu instead. It is a popular meat-free dish in homes and temple-style restaurants across Korea. Grated pear sweetens the soy and garlic sauce and makes it glossy, and the tofu is fried first so it holds its shape and soaks up the glaze. Serve with rice, lettuce leaves for wrapping and kimchi. Chef's tip: dry the tofu well and leave it alone in the pan until it releases by itself. A good golden crust is what lets it soak up the glaze without falling apart.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 3
Ingredients
For the tofu
- 1 ⅓ lb extra-firm tofupressed for 10 minutes and cut into 1 cm thick slices
- 2 tbsp potato starchor cornflour
- 3 tbsp neutral oil
For the bulgogi sauce
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ Asian peargrated, or half a small apple
- 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlicgrated
- 1 tsp gingergrated
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp water
For the vegetables
- 1 onionthinly sliced
- ½ carrotcut into thin matchsticks
- 3 spring onionscut into 4 cm lengths
To serve
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
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Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Mix 4 tbsp soy sauce, ¼ Asian pear, 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, ¼ tsp black pepper and 4 tbsp water in a bowl.
Step 2: Pat 1 ⅓ lb extra-firm tofu dry and dust the slices lightly on both sides with 2 tbsp potato starch.
Step 3: Heat two thirds of the 2 ⅛ tbsp neutral oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the tofu in a single layer for 3–4 minutes a side until golden and crisp. Lift onto a plate.
8 minStep 4: Add the rest of the ⅞ tbsp neutral oil to the pan and stir-fry 1 onion and ½ carrot for 3 minutes until the onion is soft and starting to colour.
3 minStep 5: Return the tofu, pour in the sauce and let it bubble for 3–4 minutes, turning the tofu gently, until the sauce has reduced to a sticky glaze.
4 minStep 6: Add 3 spring onions and toss for 30 seconds until just wilted. Scatter with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and serve straight away.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 380 kcal
- Protein
- 27 g
- Carbs
- 24 g
- Fat
- 21 g
- Fibre
- 4 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does tofu bulgogi take?
- About 30 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 3 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- What can I use instead of soy sauce?
- Tamari, same amount (gluten free).
- What can I use instead of brown sugar?
- White sugar + 1 tbsp molasses or treacle per 200g.
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