Elegant Basic Braised Tofu Recipe
Easy and Delicious Braised Tofu Recipe (Soy Sauce Base)
Tofu is an excellent ingredient that’s both budget-friendly and healthy! Among its many uses, braised tofu is a staple side dish that frequently graces our tables. Just one block of tofu can turn a simple meal into a satisfying feast, no other side dishes needed. Let’s unlock the secret to making delicious braised tofu that anyone can easily follow at home!
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 stalk Green Onion
Braised Tofu Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup or rice syrup)
- Pinch of Black Pepper (approx. 0.3 tsp)
- Pinch of Sesame Oil (approx. 0.3 tsp)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup or rice syrup)
- Pinch of Black Pepper (approx. 0.3 tsp)
- Pinch of Sesame Oil (approx. 0.3 tsp)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the delicious sauce that will define the flavor of your braised tofu! In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp mirin, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp oligodang. Add a pinch of black pepper and a pinch of sesame oil. Stir everything well until thoroughly combined, then let it sit for a moment to allow the flavors to meld. This resting period helps the sauce penetrate the tofu with deeper flavor.
Step 2
Now, let’s cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Aim for about 1.5 cm thickness, not too thin, and cut them into neat squares. This size is perfect for layering in the pot and for easy eating.
Step 3
Here’s a little tip for you: first, cut the block of tofu in half lengthwise, and then slice each half into pieces about 1 cm thick. This method helps ensure uniform slices that look beautiful and cook evenly. Uniformly cut tofu will absorb the sauce more consistently, making it even tastier.
Step 4
It’s time to pan-fry the tofu! Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the tofu slices in the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. A lightly seared surface adds a wonderful nutty flavor and a pleasing texture. Be mindful of oil splatters while frying.
Step 5
While the tofu is frying, let’s prepare the vegetables that will add depth to our braised tofu. Slice half an onion into thick strips. Chop one stalk of green onion diagonally into large pieces. Cutting the vegetables into larger chunks helps them retain a pleasant crispness during the simmering process, preventing them from becoming too soft.
Step 6
Once the tofu is nicely golden brown on both sides, it’s time to assemble the braise in a pot. Start by arranging the fried tofu slices in a single layer at the bottom of the pot. Layering the tofu first acts as a protective barrier against the sauce burning and helps prevent the tofu from breaking apart.
Step 7
Next, arrange the sliced onions and green onions attractively over the layer of tofu. The aromatic vegetables will infuse their delicious flavors into the tofu as it simmers.
Step 8
Pour the prepared savory sauce evenly over the vegetables. Make sure the sauce covers the tofu and vegetables generously.
Step 9
If there’s any remaining sauce, you can add another layer of tofu on top, followed by the rest of the vegetables and any leftover sauce. Layering the ingredients allows the sauce to penetrate deeply into all the components.
Step 10
To make sure no flavor is wasted, pour about half a cup of water into the bowl you used for the sauce and rinse it well, then add this water to the pot. This not only cleans the bowl but also adds a rich liquid base to the braise. The total amount of liquid should be enough to come up to about halfway on the ingredients.
Step 11
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer gently until it reduces and coats the tofu. Simmering on low heat is crucial for allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors without falling apart. Keep an eye on it periodically to prevent burning.
Step 12
As the braise cooks, gently stir or flip the tofu slices using chopsticks or a spatula. Be careful not to break them. This gentle stirring ensures that the sauce evenly coats every piece of tofu, maximizing the deliciousness.
Step 13
Your braised tofu is ready when the sauce has thickened and beautifully coated the ingredients! Avoid over-simmering, as it can become too salty. Turn off the heat when you reach your desired consistency. This simple yet elegant dish, with its perfect sweet and savory balance, is now complete!
Step 14
Served over a bowl of warm white rice, this braised tofu is an absolute delight! It’s a hearty side dish that guarantees a satisfying meal. Be sure to try making this delicious braised tofu yourself.
Step 15
The natural sweetness from the onions added an extra layer of deliciousness to this braised tofu, making it incredibly flavorful. We hope you enjoy this delightful dish too!
