Savory Braised Tofu in Soy Sauce: A Classic Korean Side Dish
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Delicious Braised Tofu with Savory Soy Sauce Glaze
Here’s a beloved Korean staple: braised tofu in a rich soy sauce glaze. It’s a dish that tastes wonderful no matter when you eat it! The slightly crisp exterior of the tofu combined with the savory, sweet, and umami-packed sauce makes it an irresistible rice accompaniment. Follow this detailed recipe to create this delightful classic at home.
Main Ingredients- 500g firm tofu (approx. 1 block)
- 1/4 stalk green onion, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Slice the firm tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 cm thick, into squares. Pat the tofu slices thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent oil splatter while frying and to achieve a crispier texture. Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a lightly greased pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the tofu slices on both sides until golden brown and slightly crispy. Pre-frying helps the tofu firm up, allowing it to absorb the braising sauce better without breaking apart.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the braising sauce. In a small bowl, combine 3 Tbsp of soy sauce, 1 Tbsp of oligosaccharide (you can adjust the sweetness to your liking), 1 tsp of sesame oil, and 2 Tbsp of water. Whisk everything together until well combined. Adding water helps to create a smoother, less salty glaze that will simmer beautifully.
Step 3
Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and the finely chopped green onion to the sauce mixture. Stir well. The green onion will add a lovely aromatic quality, while the garlic helps to eliminate any potential ‘beany’ odor from the tofu.
Step 4
Finally, sprinkle in 1 tsp of sesame seeds and give the sauce a final stir. Your delicious soy sauce braising sauce for the tofu is now ready!
Step 5
Wipe the frying pan clean, or transfer the fried tofu to a wider, heavier-bottomed pan. Arrange the fried tofu pieces neatly in the pan. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the tofu. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to gently reduce and coat the tofu. Gently shake the pan occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t burn and simmers evenly.
Step 6
Once the sauce has thickened slightly and coated the tofu beautifully, turn off the heat. Carefully transfer the braised tofu to a serving plate. For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle a little more sesame oil or sprinkle additional sesame seeds on top. This dish is perfect served over hot rice as a main dish or as a flavorful side to any meal.
