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Dubu gangjeong
Dubu gangjeong (두부강정): crisp fried tofu cubes in a sticky soy and rice syrup glaze
Gangjeong usually means sticky glazed fried chicken, but Korean mothers make this tofu version for the dosirak because the starch coating stays crisp even after a morning in the lunchbox. The glaze is mild, sweet and garlicky, so children love it; add gochujang for the grown-ups. The common mistake is skipping the pressing, which leaves wet tofu that spits in the oil and goes soggy under the sauce. Chef's tip: let the fried cubes cool for two minutes before glazing, and boil the sauce to large, slow bubbles first, so it clings instead of soaking in.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 3
Ingredients
For the tofu
- 14 oz firm tofu
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 tbsp potato starch or cornflour
- ½ cup neutral oilfor shallow frying
For the glaze
- 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice syrup (ssal-yeot)or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 garlic clovegrated
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp gochujang (optional)for a spicy version
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
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Method
0/5 doneStep 2: Toss the cubes in 4 tbsp potato starch or cornflour in a bowl until every side is coated; shake off the excess.
Step 3: Heat ½ cup neutral oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat until a pinch of starch sizzles. Fry the tofu in one layer, turning, for 6–8 minutes, until crisp and pale gold on all sides. Drain on kitchen paper.
8 minStep 4: Pour off the oil, wipe the pan and add 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp rice syrup (ssal-yeot), 1 tsp sugar, 1 garlic clove, 2 tbsp water and 1 tsp gochujang, if using. Boil over a medium heat for 1–2 minutes, until the bubbles become large and slow.
2 minStep 5: Turn off the heat, add the tofu and toss quickly to coat. Sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Cool on a plate before packing; eat the same day.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 330 kcal
- Protein
- 16 g
- Carbs
- 30 g
- Fat
- 17 g
- Fibre
- 2 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does dubu gangjeong take?
- About 30 minutes in total: 15 minutes to prepare and 15 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 potato starch or cornflour?
- Arrowroot or potato starch, same amount.
- What can I use instead of soy sauce?
- Tamari, same amount (gluten free).
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