Heat a pan and add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil generously. Place the 200g of drained tofu whole into the pan.
Turn the tofu repeatedly to grill all sides until golden and crispy.
While the tofu is grilling, mix together 4 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of red chili powder, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, half a tablespoon of sugar, half a tablespoon of monosodium glutamate, 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds, chopped green chili peppers, finely sliced scallions, and 2 tablespoons of perilla oil to make a special seasoning sauce.
Transfer the crispy grilled tofu onto a cutting board. Place chopsticks on both sides to prevent it from breaking completely, then score it deeply in a checkerboard pattern.
Transfer the tofu to a serving plate and evenly pour the prepared seasoning sauce over it so it seeps into every crevice.
Place mugwort sprouts in the center and top with thin cooking-grade bonito flakes as garnish to finish.
Add generous vegetable oil to a pan and grill the whole tofu on all sides until golden and crisp.
Mix together soy sauce, red chili powder, minced garlic, perilla oil, scallions, chili peppers, and other seasonings to make the sauce.
Place chopsticks under the grilled tofu and score it in a checkerboard pattern.
Serve on a plate, drizzle with the sauce, and garnish with mugwort sprouts and bonito flakes.
Cooking tips 💡
Use at least 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil when grilling tofu to prevent burning and achieve a crisp, fried-like exterior.
Place non-breakable wooden chopsticks under the tofu before scoring to ensure the bottom doesn't split completely.
Use thin, cooking-grade bonito flakes meant for garnishing—these are soft and edible, unlike those used for broth.