Pan-fried Tofu with Dark Sweet Soy Sauce

Have I told you before that I love tofu?  I'm so addicted and this was so crispy and yummy!  I'm not sure why, but I just seem to crave tofu and it is probably one of my very favorite foods.  Too bad Grumpy doesn't feel the same way - or at least he gives me a hard time admitting it.

I made enough of this so I would have leftovers the next day.  I could eat the whole recipe all by myself to begin with so I knew I had to double the recipe in order to have anything for lunch.  Somehow it became breakfast, I don't know how that happened though.  I even ate it cold.  Jaden, if you are reading this:  I.Love.You.  and I'm so glad I found you.  🙂  You make my tastebuds and tummy extremely happy.  Thank you.  Grumpy ate this too and I didn't hear any complaints while he was mowing down so I think he's in "secret" love.  😉

Pan-fried Tofu with Dark Sweet Soy Sauce
from Jaden Hair's cookbook "Steamy Kitchen"


Printable Recipe


2 Tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce
1 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sambal olek
1 block firm tofu
1 tablespoons high heat cooking oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 fresh chili (I used jalapeno and sweet red pepper)
1 green onion, sliced (I did not use this)

My method of putting this all together was a little different from Jaden's so I will tell you how I did it.

In small bowl combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar and sambal oelek.  Mix together and set aside.

I do my tofu a little differently than Jaden - how I do it:  I place the tofu block between paper towels and sit a heavy object on top (I have these  heavy dinner plates that I use one of).  I let this sit for about 30 minutes and then cut the tofu into triangle shapes.  You can cut your slices in any shape you want, but you want it thin enough so that it will crisp up.  Cut it too thick and you will have mushy tofu.

Heat a frying pan over high heat until water sizzles upon contact.  Pour enough oil to coat the surface of the pan and add tofu pieces.  Be careful doing this as it will sizzle and pop.  Tofu slices "should" release themselves from the bottom of the pan when they are ready to flip.  Tilt the pan away from you when flipping to avoid being spattered by hot grease.  Remove from pan and drain on a paper towel.

Drain all but 1 tablespoon of hot oil from the pan and return to medium heat.  When hot, add the garlic and fry until fragrant about 15-30 seconds.  Be careful not to burn...don't leave the stove while the garlic is in the hot pan!  Pour in the soy sauce mixture and let simmer for 30 seconds to thicken.  Place tofu pieces into the pan and toss with the sauce.  Top with fresh chili and green onion.  Enjoy hot or cold.  🙂