Savory & Sweet Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim)
Easy Braised Tofu Recipe: Delicious Side Dish with Perilla Oil and Soy Sauce, Perfect for Lunchboxes!
Let’s make a truly appetite-whetting braised tofu dish that’s perfectly salty and savory. This is the ultimate rice companion!
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (Cheongyang peppers)
- 1/2 stalk Scallion (or a handful)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s get started on making this magical, sweet and savory braised tofu that will enrich your dinner table! You can create the best rice side dish with tofu sitting in your fridge.
Step 2
The first step that determines the taste of braised tofu! Before preparing the tofu, gently press out as much water as possible using paper towels. This prevents the tofu from breaking apart during cooking and allows the seasoning to penetrate better, resulting in a deeper flavor.
Step 3
Let’s make the delicious seasoning sauce. In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness to your preference), and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Mix well. Finely chop 2 Korean green chilies for a bit of spice and thinly slice 1/2 stalk of scallion diagonally, or chop them finely, and set aside. (Scallions can be used as a garnish or cooked with the sauce.)
Step 4
Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces (about 2cm thick). Lightly oil a pan and pan-fry the tofu on both sides until golden brown. This step helps prevent the tofu from crumbling when braising and adds a nutty flavor. Once browned, push the tofu to one side of the pan or temporarily remove it to a plate.
Step 5
Now it’s time to braise and let the flavors meld. Pour the prepared seasoning sauce into the pan. Once it starts simmering over medium heat, return the pan-fried tofu. Spoon the sauce over the tofu and let it simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu. You can add a little water if the sauce becomes too concentrated.
Step 6
Finally, it’s time to add that finishing touch of aroma! Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of perilla oil. The nutty fragrance of the perilla oil will elevate the taste of your braised tofu to another level. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired for an even more appealing presentation. Serve hot over steamed rice and enjoy!
