Steps

1. Carefully wrap 1 block of firm tofu in paper towels.
   🕒 01:39
2. Microwave the wrapped tofu to remove excess moisture. (Key Tip!) Microwaving makes it absorb flavor better and achieve a silky texture.
   🕒 01:48
3. In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp miso paste, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp cooking sake (rice wine), 1 grated clove of garlic, 1 grated clove of ginger, and 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp doubanjiang (chili bean paste). (Key Tip!) Regular miso and sugar can substitute for sweet bean paste. Oyster sauce adds sweetness and richness.
   🕒 02:27
4. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a frying pan. Add 200g ground pork and stir-fry, breaking up the clumps until it forms small crumbles. (Key Tip!) Thoroughly stir-frying the pork until the rendered fat becomes clear removes any gamey odor and brings out a subtle sweetness.
   🕒 03:59
5. Add the prepared seasoning mixture to the stir-fried pork and cook until the flavors are well incorporated into the meat. (Key Tip!) Marinating the pork first ensures it absorbs the umami flavor deeply.
   🕒 05:27
6. Add 150ml water and simmer, allowing the pork's flavor to infuse. (Key Tip!) Simmering thoroughly brings out the sweetness.
   🕒 06:20
7. Add the 1 block of firm tofu that was microwaved, directly into the pan.
   🕒 06:42
8. Gently break up the tofu with a wooden spatula, aiming to eliminate sharp edges. (Key Tip!) Increasing the surface area of the tofu allows all the flavors to penetrate it. Break it up gently, not into tiny pieces.
   🕒 07:41
9. Add 10cm portion of minced green onion, 4-5 stalks of chopped chives, 2 tsp to 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tsp sesame oil. Gently mix from the sides of the pan, being careful not to break up the tofu.
   🕒 08:33
10. Turn off the heat temporarily. Add the slurry (1 tsp potato starch + 2 tsp water) and mix well. (Key Tip!) The sauce won't thicken well if it's too hot, so turn off the heat and let it cool slightly before adding the slurry.
    🕒 09:13
11. Turn the heat back on and cook until the sauce thickens.
    🕒 09:43
12. Serve in a bowl and drizzle with chili oil as desired.
    🕒 10:25