Hearty Korean Braised Tofu with Onion and King Oyster Mushrooms (Dubu Jorim)
Weekend Morning Delight: Savory Soy-Braised Tofu with Onion and King Oyster Mushrooms – A Rice-Stealing Recipe
A classic Korean comfort food, this ‘Dubu Jorim’ features pan-fried tofu simmered in a savory and slightly sweet soy-based sauce with tender onions and chewy king oyster mushrooms. It’s a wonderfully flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal, especially a weekend breakfast or a simple weeknight dinner. The combination of textures and savory-sweet taste makes it a true ‘rice thief’!
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 Korean green chili peppers (optional, for heat)
- 1 medium king oyster mushroom
- Generous amount of perilla oil or cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the tofu. Cut the tofu into thick slices, about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) thick. Heat a generous amount of perilla oil or cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the tofu slices in the pan. Pan-fry them until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Crispy exterior and soft interior tofu is delicious on its own, but it absorbs the braising sauce beautifully. Be mindful not to burn the tofu. Perilla oil can burn at high temperatures, so maintain a medium-low heat. You can also use a mix of cooking oil and perilla oil.
Step 2
While the tofu is frying, let’s make the braising sauce. In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 100ml water, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp allulose. If you don’t have allulose, you can substitute it with sugar or corn syrup. For an extra layer of umami, you can add 1 Tbsp of fish sauce.
Step 3
Slice the onion thinly. Slice the king oyster mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Mince the Korean green chili peppers (omit or adjust the amount if you prefer less spice).
Step 4
Arrange the pan-fried tofu slices in a single layer at the bottom of a pot or a deep skillet. Pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over the tofu.
Step 5
Layer the sliced onions and mushrooms on top of the tofu. Add the minced chili peppers at this stage.
Step 6
Cover the pot with a lid and simmer over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and tender. Once the onions are partially cooked, remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced to a nice, syrupy consistency. Gently stir the onions and mushrooms, being careful not to break the tofu.
Step 7
Serve the braised tofu hot over a bowl of steamed rice. The onions, softened and infused with the savory sauce, become wonderfully sweet, complementing the chewy mushrooms and tender tofu perfectly.
Step 8
This hearty Dubu Jorim can be a complete meal on its own. Making a generous batch means you’ll have delicious side dishes for days. It’s so satisfying, you might not need any other side dishes!
Step 9
Enjoy the delightful combination of soft, savory tofu, sweet onions, and chewy mushrooms! This ‘Soy-Braised Tofu with Onion and King Oyster Mushrooms’ offers a balanced flavor profile – not too spicy, with a hint of sweetness, making it an excellent side dish. It’s a recipe that satisfies both the cook and the eaters. How about making this delicious Dubu Jorim for your next meal?
