Rich & Flavorful Braised Tofu (Dubujorim) with Caramelized Onions – ‘Sumi’s Side Dishes’ Style
Chef Sumi’s Secret! Braised Tofu Elevated with Caramelized Onions for the Ultimate Rice Thief
Watching the TV show ‘Sumi’s Side Dishes’ always makes my mouth water with Chef Sumi’s delectable cooking. Among the many dishes, the braised tofu (Dubujorim), praised as a ‘rice thief’ by comedian Jang Dong-min, was particularly tempting. Today, I’m sharing the recipe for ‘TV’s Sumi’s Side Dishes’ style braised tofu, where caramelized onions are the secret ingredient that makes it truly special. This recipe will guide you to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish right in your own kitchen!
Main Ingredients- 1 block (300g) Firm Tofu
- 1 small Onion
- 1 Red Chili Pepper
- 1 Green Chili Pepper (Serrano or similar)
- A small bunch of Green Onions or Scallions
Seasoning Ingredients- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 Tbsp Water
- 2 tsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 Tbsp Water
- 2 tsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently press the tofu with paper towels to remove excess water. Then, slice it into thick pieces, about 1.5 to 2 cm (around 0.7 inches) thick. I sliced mine lengthwise, but you can also cut them in half crosswise for a half-moon shape. Removing moisture and slicing it this way prevents the tofu from breaking apart during cooking and keeps its shape beautifully.
Step 2
Finely chop the green onions or scallions. Take the red and green chili peppers, cut each into four long pieces, remove the seeds, and then mince them very finely. Slice the onion thinly for caramelizing. Mincing the chilies finely allows the seasoning to penetrate the tofu more effectively, enhancing the flavor.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning! In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of water, 2 teaspoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Mix well. Add the chopped green onions and minced chili peppers to this seasoning mixture and toss them together. Pre-mixing the seasoning with the vegetables helps the flavors meld deeply into the tofu.
Step 4
Heat a non-stick pan over low heat with a little olive oil. Carefully place the sliced tofu in the pan and pan-fry it until golden brown on both sides. Once one side is nicely browned, flip it over and cook the other side. Aim to cook it until it’s quite firm and some of the moisture has evaporated, which will give the tofu a pleasant chewy texture, rather than just a soft one.
Step 5
While the tofu is frying, heat a separate pan with a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them until they become soft, translucent, and sweet-smelling. If you only have one pan, you can temporarily remove the fried tofu to a plate and use the same pan to sauté the onions. The sweetness from the caramelized onions is the key secret to this delicious braised tofu!
Step 6
Once the tofu is nicely browned and firm, generously spread the prepared seasoning mixture (with the chopped vegetables) evenly over the tofu slices. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the tofu. Keep an eye on it to prevent the sauce from drying out too much. Finally, arrange the braised tofu on a serving plate and top it generously with the sweet, caramelized onions as a garnish. Your delicious Dubujorim is ready!
Step 7
Here is the ‘Sumi’s Side Dishes’ style braised tofu, complete with the rich flavor enhanced by the caramelized onions. It looks incredibly appetizing, doesn’t it?
Step 8
Taking a bite with a spoonful of rice, the chewy tofu, savory seasoning, and the crisp, sweet caramelized onions all come together in perfect harmony – it’s absolutely delicious! I now understand why Jang Dong-min enthusiastically called it a ‘rice thief’. If you love braised tofu, I highly recommend trying this ‘Sumi’s Side Dishes’ style version. You’ll be amazed by the unique and delightful taste of caramelized onions in this dish!
