Singer and actress IU, 33, has revealed the secret to managing her figure even when late-night cravings strike.
On April 15, IU appeared in a video on Chef Ahn Sung-jae’s YouTube channel, where she introduced a recipe for a "soft tofu cheese jeon" (a savory tofu-and-cheese pancake). "When I get home from work, it’s often very late. While I love high-calorie foods, I have to be careful when I have a busy schedule the next day," she explained. "I found this recipe on YouTube, and because it uses soft tofu, it’s low in calories and doesn’t make me feel heavy. It’s quite delicious."
IU, who is currently starring alongside Byeon Woo-seok in the MBC Friday–Saturday drama 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife, plays Seong Hee-joo, the commoner CEO of Castle Beauty. Despite a grueling filming schedule, she maintains a weight of 44 kg. Her choice of this tofu pancake as an alternative to her favorite late-night ramen raises the question: how effective is it for weight management?
The Nutritional Benefits of Soft Tofu Cheese Jeon
As IU suggested, soft tofu cheese jeon is an excellent diet-friendly option. Since soft tofu is the primary ingredient, the dish is high in protein and provides significant satiety for relatively few calories.
Soft tofu contains approximately 50–60 kcal per 100g and offers 5–6g of protein, helping to curb hunger. It also contains calcium, which supports healthy fat metabolism. Even with the addition of cheese and starch, a single serving (roughly 200g) totals about 200–300 kcal, making it a much lighter burden on the digestive system than traditional late-night snacks.
Tips for a Healthier Preparation
To maximize the benefits, pay attention to the cooking method. If the pancake is pan-fried in excessive oil, the calorie count can spike. It is best to use a small amount of olive oil and wipe away any excess from the pan. Chef Ahn Sung-jae noted during the video that removing excess oil does not compromise the flavor.
Additionally, the sauce—typically a mix of soy sauce and allulose—can be high in sodium. Using a low-sodium soy sauce is a healthier alternative. For better nutritional balance, the dish pairs well with a side of vegetables, such as the cucumber-and-pollock-roe salad demonstrated by Chef Ahn.
Recipe: Soft Tofu Cheese Jeon
Ingredients (1 serving):
200g soft tofu
4 tbsp potato starch (or cornstarch)
Mozzarella cheese (to taste)
Small amount of olive oil
Sauce: 2 tbsp water, 2 tbsp allulose, 2 tbsp soy sauce
Estimated Nutrition:
Calories: 250–350 kcal
Protein: 15–20g
Fat: 10–15g
Carbohydrates: 20–30g
Directions:
Drain the soft tofu in a sieve to remove excess moisture, then mash it thoroughly.
Mix in 4 tablespoons of starch to form a consistent batter.
Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan. Spread half of the batter into the pan, layer the cheese on top, and cover with the remaining batter.
Cook over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
Pour the sauce over the pancake and simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes until the flavors are absorbed.
