Nutritious & Hearty Dubu Jorim: A Classic Home-Style Korean Braised Tofu Recipe
Delicious and Healthy Dubu Jorim (Korean Braised Tofu) You Can Make at Home
On busy days, simply add it to your soup or stew. But with a little time and care, you can create a wonderful healthy dish: ‘Dubu Jorim’ (Korean Braised Tofu)! This recipe allows you to use up leftover vegetables you have at home, making it even more flavorful and satisfying. By varying the vegetables, you can enjoy a different style of Dubu Jorim each time. It’s a perfect side dish for rice or even a main course. Let’s make delicious Dubu Jorim right now!
Main Ingredients- 1 block (approx. 400g) Firm Tofu
- 10 pieces Cabbage (bite-sized)
- 1/5 Green Bell Pepper (seeds removed and julienned)
- 1 Green Chili Pepper (optional, for a spicier taste)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 5 Tbsp Water
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (for sweetness and shine)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (for nutty aroma)
- Pinch of Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 5 Tbsp Water
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (for sweetness and shine)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (for nutty aroma)
- Pinch of Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently press the tofu with paper towels to remove excess water. Cut it into 1.5-2cm thick slices. Briefly sear the tofu slices in a pan over high heat to remove surface moisture; this helps them hold their shape better during braising.
Step 2
Before searing, add a generous amount of cooking oil to the pan and heat over medium heat. Place the tofu slices in the hot oil and pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides. For added flavor, you can lightly sprinkle some fine salt on the tofu as it fries.
Step 3
Once the tofu is nicely browned, reduce the heat to low. Rearrange the tofu pieces in the pan to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce later. (For example, move the tofu pieces that were in the center to the edges, and vice versa.)
Step 4
Prepare the vegetables for braising. Cut the cabbage into large pieces. Remove the seeds from the green bell pepper and chili pepper, then julienne them. (Feel free to add other vegetables like green onions or onions according to your preference.)
Step 5
Lightly oil a pan and add the cabbage. Stir-fry until the cabbage softens slightly. Once the cabbage is partially cooked, pour in the sauce mixture of soy sauce and water. (If you have leftover pickling liquid from preserved garlic, you can use that, or mix soy sauce and water in a 1:1 ratio if not.) Let the sauce simmer briefly to allow the cabbage to absorb the flavors.
Step 6
When the cabbage is tender-crisp, turn off the heat. Carefully place the pre-fried tofu slices into the pan. Arrange the julienned chili peppers and green bell peppers on top. Add the minced garlic, (optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes), plum extract, and perilla oil. Turn the heat back up to medium-high and braise until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. Gently shake the pan or use a spatula to occasionally stir, ensuring the tofu and vegetables absorb the delicious sauce.
Step 7
The finished Dubu Jorim boasts a delightful combination: the natural sweetness of the cabbage infused with the savory sauce, the tofu which is moist inside and richly flavored outside, and the crisp, sweet bell peppers. The taste test confirmed it’s incredibly delicious – you’ll be reaching for seconds! Next time, consider adding even more cabbage for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy this wonderfully satisfying Dubu Jorim that’s sure to make your rice disappear!
