Crisp Bean Sprouts and Silky Tofu Braise
Master the Ultimate Korean Side Dish: Altoran’s Bean Sprout and Tofu Braise
While tofu braise recipes are common, one featuring crunchy bean sprouts is a truly unique delight. The combination of bean sprouts and tofu alone sounds incredibly delicious, doesn’t it? This dish offers a satisfying meal without complicated steps, making it a perfect addition to any table, especially for family gatherings. Its simplicity is its charm! Follow Chef Kim Ha-jin’s trusted Altoran recipe to elevate your home cooking.
Main Ingredients- 150g fresh soybean sprouts
- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1 cheongyang chili pepper (for a mild kick)
- 1/4 onion
- 1/2 green onion stalk
Seasoning- 3.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (for gloss and sweetness)
- A pinch of oyster sauce (for umami)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 cup water (200ml)
- 3.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (for gloss and sweetness)
- A pinch of oyster sauce (for umami)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 cup water (200ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the soybean sprouts thoroughly under running water to remove any debris, then drain them well. Thinly slice the onion. Finely chop the cheongyang chili pepper and green onion stalk. Pat the tofu block dry with paper towels; this helps it brown nicely and prevents oil splattering.
Step 2
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the dried tofu slices in the pan and fry until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Transfer the fried tofu to paper towels to absorb excess oil. For a softer tofu texture, fry quickly over high heat. For a chewier, firmer texture, fry slowly over low heat. Adjust to your preference!
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the flavorful braising sauce. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, corn syrup, oyster sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir well. Add the 1 cup of water and mix everything together. In a pot or deep pan, create a base layer with the drained soybean sprouts. Arrange the pan-fried tofu slices on top of the sprouts. Scatter the sliced onions over the tofu, then pour the prepared sauce evenly over everything. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 4
Once the sauce begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tofu and sprouts to absorb the sauce. Finally, add the chopped green onions and cheongyang chili peppers, and simmer for another minute or two. Your delicious Bean Sprout and Tofu Braise is ready to serve!
