Description
Spicy Korean umami bomb tofu delivers complex layers of flavor through perfectly balanced marinade techniques. Home cooks can craft this restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients and precise cooking methods.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block extra firm tofu, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) tamari
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tsp (20 mL) maple syrup
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) water
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) avocado oil
Instructions
- Skillet Preparation: Ignite a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, creating an optimal surface for flavor development.
- Oil Infusion: Drizzle oil across the pan, allowing it to shimmer and provide a golden cooking foundation.
- Tofu Transformation: Gently introduce tofu cubes into the sizzling skillet, positioning them to achieve uniform caramelization across all surfaces with precise flipping and rotating.
- Glaze Crafting: Whisk tamari, Dijon mustard, water, maple syrup, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl until ingredients meld into a harmonious sauce.
- Flavor Fusion: Reduce skillet temperature to a gentle simmer, then cascade the prepared glaze over golden tofu cubes, stirring methodically to ensure complete coverage.
- Glazing Technique: Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to transform into a glossy, clinging coating that embraces each tofu piece with intense umami depth.
- Culinary Finale: Remove skillet from heat, letting the tofu rest momentarily to absorb final flavor layers, then plate immediately to preserve perfect texture and temperature.
Notes
- Manage Heat Carefully: Medium-high heat ensures crispy exterior without burning tofu, creating perfect golden-brown caramelization.
- Patience is Key: Slow cooking for 10-12 minutes develops rich, crispy texture and allows even browning on all tofu surfaces.
- Sauce Technique Matters: Whisking ingredients thoroughly prevents separation and ensures a smooth, glossy glaze that clings perfectly to tofu.
- Serve Immediately: Resting briefly after cooking preserves optimal texture and temperature, maximizing flavor and eating experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg