Savory Braised Tofu: The Ultimate Rice Thief!
Officially Declared a Rice Thief! Delicious Braised Tofu Recipe
This braised tofu is incredibly savory with a subtle sweetness that makes it an absolute ‘rice thief’! It’s a classic Korean side dish that’s hard to resist. Enjoy this delightful recipe, perfect for everyday meals or even for guests. Featured on ‘Every Recipe in the World’ and ‘Man-gaye Recipe’!
Essential Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 1/4 stalk scallion
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 green chili pepper
- 1/2 onion
- Generous amount of olive oil (or cooking oil)
Seasoning Ingredients- 3 Tbsp soy sauce for brewing
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp red chili powder (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp water
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce for brewing
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp red chili powder (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before cooking, gently press the tofu with paper towels to remove excess water. This helps the tofu hold its shape and achieve a better texture when pan-fried. Cut the tofu into bite-sized rectangular pieces.
Step 2
Finely chop the scallion. Remove the stems from the red and green chili peppers, cut them into quarters, remove the seeds, and mince them finely. If you like it spicier, you can leave some of the seeds.
Step 3
Peel and thinly slice the onion. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly browned. Sautéed onions add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, red chili powder, and water. Mix well to create the savory braising sauce. The balance of these ingredients is key to delicious braised tofu.
Step 5
Add a generous amount of olive oil to a clean pan and heat over medium heat. Carefully place the cut tofu pieces into the hot oil and pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides. This step ensures the tofu won’t break apart easily and develops a slightly crispy exterior for better flavor absorption.
Step 6
Once the tofu is nicely browned on both sides, pour the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over the tofu in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Step 7
Allow the tofu to simmer in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coated the tofu beautifully. Basting the tofu with the sauce as it simmers enhances the flavor. To serve, arrange the braised tofu on a plate and top with the sautéed onions. Enjoy this delicious dish with a warm bowl of rice!
