Chewy & Moist Soy Sauce Braised Tofu: An Easy and Delicious Recipe
Nutrient-Rich Soy Sauce Braised Tofu: A Crowd-Pleasing Dish for Meals and Snacks
Introducing a recipe for ‘Soy Sauce Braised Tofu’ that’s perfect as a satisfying meal replacement for rice, a main side dish, or a delightful snack when you’re feeling peckish. It boasts a wonderfully chewy exterior and a moist interior. This dish is incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients, and the taste is guaranteed to impress. Try it now!
Main Ingredients
- 1 block tofu (cut into approx. 1.5 cm thickness)
- 1/2 onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 green onion (sliced diagonally)
- A small amount of carrot (julienned)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (can substitute with cooking oil if unavailable)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Sauce
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 10 Tbsp water
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 10 Tbsp water
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the tofu into approximately 1.5 cm thick slices. Slices that are too thick might lack chewiness, while slices that are too thin can be difficult to pan-fry and may lose their moist texture. Gently pat the cut tofu slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps prevent oil splattering when frying and promotes a crispier finish.
Step 2
Slice the green onion diagonally to release its aroma. Thinly slice the onion and julienne the carrot. These vegetables will add sweetness and texture to the braised tofu.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine 6 Tbsp of soy sauce, 0.5 Tbsp of sugar, and 0.5 Tbsp of gochugaru.
Step 4
Add 10 Tbsp of water and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Preparing the sauce in advance will save you time during cooking.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil and 1 Tbsp of perilla oil. If perilla oil is unavailable, you can use only cooking oil. However, perilla oil adds a wonderful nutty aroma that enhances the tofu’s flavor.
Step 6
Place the drained tofu slices into the heated pan and fry them over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. It’s important to use medium heat; if the heat is too low, the tofu will release too much moisture and become mushy. Frying over medium heat ensures a chewy exterior while keeping the inside moist. Avoid cooking for too long on low heat, as this can lead to a dry texture.
Step 7
Once the tofu is nicely browned on both sides, pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture. Add the sliced onion, carrot, and green onion. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. As the sauce begins to reduce, lower the heat to low to prevent the sauce from burning. Adjust the simmering time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Step 8
To ensure the sauce cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom, gently swirl the pan by holding the handle. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, sprinkle with sesame seeds. Your chewy and moist Soy Sauce Braised Tofu is now ready to be enjoyed with a warm bowl of rice!
