Braised Tofu with Stir-Fried Onions (SuMi’s Kitchen Style)
A Perfect Harmony of Soft Tofu and Sweet Stir-Fried Onions! Let’s Make SuMi’s Kitchen Tofu Braise
This is a tofu braise with an exquisite blend of soft and savory flavors. We lightly pan-fry the tofu first, creating a delightful contrast between its slightly firm exterior and tender interior. Topped generously with sweet stir-fried onions, this dish is a true rice-thief! It makes for a simple yet incredibly delicious side dish for any meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 Onion
- 3 Scallions
- 2.5 Tbsp Brown Rice Oil (or cooking oil)
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds
Braising Sauce- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2/3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2/3 Red Chili Pepper (seeds removed, finely minced)
- 1 Green Chili Pepper (seeds removed, finely minced)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Water
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2/3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2/3 Red Chili Pepper (seeds removed, finely minced)
- 1 Green Chili Pepper (seeds removed, finely minced)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s crucial to remove excess water from the tofu. Use paper towels to gently press and absorb as much moisture as possible from the tofu’s surface. Properly draining the tofu will help prevent oil splattering when frying and achieve a crispier texture.
Step 2
Cut the tofu into thick slices, about 1.5cm to 2cm thick. Aim for about 8 pieces per block. Cutting them not too thin will help maintain their shape and prevent them from breaking apart during the braising process.
Step 3
Prepare the vegetables for the braising sauce. Finely mince the red and green chili peppers after removing their seeds. If you enjoy more heat, feel free to increase the amount of green chili. Slice the scallions into bite-sized pieces and thinly slice the onion.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1/2 Tbsp of brown rice oil. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry until they become translucent. It’s best to cook them until they are slightly tender but still have a bit of bite, which will enhance their natural sweetness and texture.
Step 5
In a small bowl, combine all the braising sauce ingredients: soy sauce, gochugaru, minced red chili, minced green chili, minced garlic, sesame oil, and water. Mix well. Adding a little water helps the sauce penetrate the tofu more effectively.
Step 6
Add 2 Tbsp of brown rice oil to the pan and heat it. Place the prepared tofu slices over medium-low heat. Pan-fry each side until golden brown, which typically takes about 13 minutes. Flip them occasionally to ensure even browning. Pre-frying the tofu makes it firmer and prevents it from crumbling during braising.
Step 7
Once the tofu is nicely browned, gently push the pieces to one side of the pan or transfer them to a temporary plate. (Alternatively, wipe the pan clean.) Pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over the tofu. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan (or leave uncovered), and simmer for 7-8 minutes, allowing the sauce to absorb into the tofu. Spooning some sauce over the tofu halfway through can enhance the flavor.
Step 8
When the sauce has been absorbed well by the tofu, turn off the heat. Arrange the braised tofu attractively on a serving plate. Generously top with the stir-fried onions, then garnish with the chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Your delicious braised tofu is now complete!
