Korean-Style Spicy Fried Tofu Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon green tea rubs (a mixture of green tea leaves, sugar, and spices)
• 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, drained and patted dry
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup Korean chili paste (gochujang)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
• Optional: 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Green Tea Rubs:

• Combine the green tea leaves, sugar, and spices in a small bowl to create the green tea rubs. This mixture will be used to season the tofu.

Prepare the Tofu:

• Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Pat the cubes dry with paper towels.

Prepare the Coating:

• In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Season the flour with salt and pepper.
• Lightly coat each tofu cube in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the panko breadcrumbs. Set aside on a baking sheet.

Fry the Tofu:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated tofu cubes in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the fried tofu from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Prepare the Spicy Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, combine the Korean chili paste (gochujang), soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish and Serve:

• Transfer the fried tofu cubes to a serving plate. Drizzle the spicy sauce over the tofu.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and, if desired, toasted sesame seeds.
• Serve the Korean-Style Spicy Fried Tofu immediately, enjoying the crispy texture of the tofu and the bold, spicy-sweet flavor of the sauce with the subtle hint of green tea from the rubs.