Steps

1. Wash 4 Perilla Leaves, pat them dry thoroughly, and trim the tough ends of the stems.
   🕒 01:40
2. Wrap 2 pieces of Fried Tofu in paper towels to lightly wipe off excess oil. This is the key! Wiping off the oil removes the distinct smell of fried tofu, making it more delicious.
   🕒 01:51
3. Cut 2 pieces of Fried Tofu diagonally in half, then make a deep incision in the center. Be careful not to cut all the way through. This is the key! Be cautious not to cut through to the other side, creating an opening.
   🕒 02:10
4. Spread 4 Perilla Leaves and insert them into the incisions of the fried tofu.
   🕒 02:49
5. Spread Plum Paste (to taste) over the perilla leaves.
   🕒 03:07
6. Stuff 30g of Melting Cheese on top of the plum paste. Be careful not to overstuff, as it might cause the fried tofu to split. This is the key! Overstuffing with cheese can cause the fried tofu to split, so be mindful.
   🕒 03:16
7. Evenly coat the entire stuffed fried tofu with Potato Starch (to taste) and lightly tap off any excess. Make sure to coat the cut edges where the cheese is especially well. This is the key! Coating with potato starch helps the flavors to penetrate better.
   🕒 03:44
8. In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 tbsp Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine), 1 tbsp Cooking Sake (Rice Wine), 1/2 tbsp Sugar, and 1/2 tsp Grated Ginger. Mix well until the sugar granules are no longer visible. This is the key! Mixing the sauce beforehand allows for even and smooth coating during cooking.
   🕒 04:09
9. Heat Vegetable Oil (to taste) in a frying pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds.
   🕒 04:27
10. Place the Fried Tofu in the heated pan with the cut side down.
    🕒 04:43
11. First, grill the cut side over medium heat until golden brown. Approximately 2 minutes. This is the key! Grilling the cut side first prevents the cheese inside from leaking out.
    🕒 04:49
12. Once a nice golden brown color is achieved, tilt the Fried Tofu and grill the larger sides for 1 minute each.
    🕒 05:10
13. After 1 minute, flip and grill the other side for 1 minute.
    🕒 05:24
14. After another minute, stand the Fried Tofu up and grill the remaining sides for 30 seconds each. If it's difficult to stand, use the edge of the frying pan for support.
    🕒 05:34
15. Once all sides are cooked, drizzle the prepared Sauce over the fried tofu. Be careful as the sauce may splatter.
    🕒 06:05
16. Toss the Sauce to coat everything evenly. After about 30 seconds, flip it over.
    🕒 06:17
17. Coat the other side with the Sauce as well, and it's ready to serve.
    🕒 06:26