about 3tablespoonsvegetable oil or mild olive oil for frying
For the sauce:
3tablespoonssoy sauce
2tablespoonsunseasoned rice vinegar
1teaspoonfinely grated fresh ginger root*
1large garlic clove,peeled and minced or pressed through a garlic press
½tablespoonsesame seeds
1tablespoontoasted sesame oil
2tablespoonshoney
¼teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes,more if you like it spicier**
1teaspooncorn starch
To serve:
4scallions (green onions),chopped
Instructions:
For the tofu:
Drain the block of tofu, then cut into ¾-inch cubes. Dry the cubes with a paper towel. Roll the tofu cubes in the flour, making sure to coat them on all sides.
Heat the oil in a cast iron or non-stick pan until shimmering. Fry the tofu cubes in a single layer until golden brown on all sides (a few minutes on each side). Set aside on a plate lined with a paper towel.
For the sauce:
Add all sauce ingredients to a liquid measuring cup. Whisk well until fully combined.
Pour the mix into a saucepan. Bring to a full boil, whisking continuously. Keep boiling the sauce until it becomes translucent and thickens (a few minutes). Take off the heat.
To serve:
Serve the tofu with rice, drizzle with the sauce and sprinkle chopped scallions on top.
Recipe notes:
*If fresh ginger is not available, you can substitute ½ teaspoon dried ground ginger.**The level of spiciness in a given amount of crushed red pepper flakes varies quite a bit from batch to batch. I recommend you start with ¼ teaspoon and then add more after you taste the sauce, if you like it spicier.Storage instructions:Store leftover fried tofu cubes and leftover sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat the tofu in a non-stick pan on the stovetop. Reheat the sauce in a pan or in the microwave.