Ingredients

2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon Korean red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 large garlic clove, very finely chopped

1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

One 14-ounce container firm tofu

Vegetable oil, for frying

1 scallion, thinly sliced

Steamed rice, for serving

Preparation

  1. In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce with the sugar, red pepper, garlic, sesame oil, ginger and sesame seeds.
  2. Drain the tofu. Cut into 8 pieces, and dry fry. Marinate for 30 minutes in Chinese marinade.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 1/8 inch of oil until shimmering. Add the tofu and cook over moderate heat, turning once, until browned and crisp, about 8 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Pour out excess oil and add tofu and sauce to pan. Heat and stir to coat. Sprinkle with the scallion. Serve with steamed rice.