Delicious and Savory Braised Tofu Recipe
Popular Korean Side Dish: Braised Tofu
Hello everyone! I’m a bride-to-be and a beginner cook who’s diligently learning and growing in the kitchen. I discovered an absolutely amazing recipe through this process, and I’m excited to share it with you! This braised tofu is both savory and sweet, making it a perfect rice companion. Let’s make this delicious dish step-by-step together!
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 1/2 stalk green onion
- 1/2 onion
- 1 Korean chili pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Braising Sauce Ingredients- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (use a lighter hand if using soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (can substitute with sesame oil)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (adds sweetness and shine)
- 1 cup water (approx. 200ml)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (for pan-frying tofu)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (use a lighter hand if using soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (can substitute with sesame oil)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (adds sweetness and shine)
- 1 cup water (approx. 200ml)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (for pan-frying tofu)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the essential braising sauce for our delicious tofu dish. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp perilla oil, and 1 Tbsp plum extract. Mix them well. Finally, add 1 cup (200ml) of water and stir until the seasonings are evenly dissolved. Using a pre-made sauce like this will make the cooking process much easier.
Step 2
Next, we’ll prepare the supporting ingredients. Gently pat the tofu block dry with paper towels, then cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5-2cm thick. Slice the green onion diagonally and julienne the onion. Mince the Korean chili pepper. Add the chili pepper if you prefer a spicier flavor.
Step 3
Now, heat a pan over medium-low heat and add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil. Pan-fry the tofu pieces until they are golden brown on both sides. Frying the tofu makes it firmer, so it won’t break apart easily during the braising process and will hold its shape beautifully. Cooking it slowly over medium-low heat ensures it browns evenly without burning.
Step 4
Once the tofu is golden brown, pour the prepared braising sauce into the pan. Maintain medium-low heat and gently stir the tofu to ensure it absorbs the sauce evenly. Be careful not to let the sauce stick to the bottom of the pan; stir gently. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the tofu is nicely infused with the delicious sauce.
Step 5
Finally, when the braising is almost complete, add the sliced green onion and onion to the pan and simmer for another short while. Cook until the onions become translucent and the green onions have softened. Turn off the heat and finish by sprinkling some sesame seeds or crushed sesame seeds on top, if desired. This addictive braised tofu will make you want to finish a whole bowl of rice! Be sure to give it a try! Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
