Pan Seared Tofu with Homemade Chili Oil

Name: Pan Seared Tofu with Homemade Chili Oil
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili powder, or red chili flakes); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar; ¼ teaspoon MSG; ½ cup vegetable or grapeseed oil; 4 green onions (thinly sliced, white/light green and green parts divided); 6 cloves garlic (minced); 1 16-ounce block of firm or extra firm tofu, drained and pressed for 15-20 minutes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for pan frying); Homemade chili oil (recipe above); 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon fried garlic (optional); Green parts of the green onion; Toasted seaweed; Vegan-friendly kimchi; Thinly sliced avocado; White rice

Instructions

Prep:20minCook:10min

Think tofu is bland and boring? This pan seared tofu with homemade chili oil is a quick and easy way to transform it into the most delicious dish that even the biggest tofu critics are sure to love -- score your block of tofu and pan fry it on each side until golden and crispy, then smother it in the most delicious homemade chili oil. I promise, this is a recipe that will change anyone’s mind about tofu!

Updated at: Sun, 09 Nov 2025 01:25:40 GMT