Delicious Braised Tofu: The Perfect Homestyle Side Dish!
Easy and Simple Recipe for Delicious Braised Tofu with a Flavorful Sauce
Today, I’ve prepared a delicious braised tofu recipe with a fantastic sauce! Wondering how to make it? Let’s dive into this easy and satisfying Korean comfort food.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 1 tsp Salt (for tofu seasoning)
- Pinch of Black Pepper (for tofu seasoning)
- 1/2 Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 Green Onion (thinly sliced)
Braising Sauce Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 1.5 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup or Oligosaccharide (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (Rice Wine for cooking)
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Minced Green Onion
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular)
- 3 Tbsp Water
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 1.5 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup or Oligosaccharide (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (Rice Wine for cooking)
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Minced Green Onion
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular)
- 3 Tbsp Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces (about 2cm thick). After slicing, it’s crucial to press out as much moisture as possible using paper towels. This step prevents the tofu from breaking apart easily when pan-fried and helps it absorb the sauce better. Season the tofu slices evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper, and let them sit for a moment.
Step 2
Peel and thinly slice half an onion and half a green onion. These sliced vegetables will add a pleasant sweetness as they cook with the tofu.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the braising sauce, which is key to the deliciousness of this dish. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup, 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp corn syrup, 2 Tbsp mirin, 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, 1 Tbsp minced green onion, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1.5 Tbsp regular soy sauce, and 3 Tbsp water. Gently mix everything together with a spoon until well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the pan is preheated, carefully place the seasoned tofu slices in the pan and pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides. Pan-frying makes the tofu firmer and adds a delightful nutty flavor.
Step 5
Once the tofu is lightly golden, arrange the sliced onions between the tofu pieces in the pan. If the liquid seems a bit too little, you can add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of water at this stage. A slightly saucy consistency is ideal.
Step 6
Now, evenly pour the prepared braising sauce over the pan-fried tofu and onions. Reduce the heat to medium-low. You can either cover the pan or leave it uncovered and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to deeply infuse into the tofu. Basting the tofu with the sauce occasionally will result in a glossier and even more delicious final dish. Enjoy your flavorful braised tofu with a bowl of hot rice!
