Simple and Delicious Braised Tofu Recipe
Super Easy Braised Tofu – Perfect as a Side Dish for Rice!
This braised tofu is absolutely delicious served over freshly steamed rice! It’s wonderful to eat right after simmering, and it also keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days as a side dish. I personally enjoyed it as a side dish for two days after making it. This super simple recipe is easy for anyone to follow, so let’s make some delicious braised tofu!
Main Ingredients- 1.5 blocks of firm tofu (approx. 450g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 stalk of green onion (focus on the white part)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced (or 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic)
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your preference)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness to your preference)
- 100ml soy sauce (approx. 1/2 cup)
- 200ml water
- A little sesame oil (for finishing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the firm tofu into bite-sized rectangular pieces, about 2cm thick. Handle the tofu gently to prevent it from breaking.
Step 2
Lightly oil a heated pan and pan-fry the tofu pieces on both sides until golden brown. This step helps firm up the tofu and allows it to absorb the sauce better. Set the fried tofu aside on a plate.
Step 3
Finely mince the garlic cloves. If you’re using pre-minced garlic, about 1/2 tablespoon should be sufficient. Using fresh garlic will enhance the flavor.
Step 4
Remove the seeds from the Korean green chili pepper and mince it finely. If you enjoy a spicy kick, feel free to add more, or omit it if you prefer less heat.
Step 5
Peel the onion, wash it under running water, and then slice it into thin strips about 0.5cm wide.
Step 6
Wash the green onion and slice it diagonally. Using the white parts more predominantly will give the broth a cleaner, more refreshing taste. Diagonal cuts look more appealing.
Step 7
Now it’s time to assemble the dish. Arrange the golden-brown fried tofu pieces evenly at the bottom of the pan. Then, place the sliced onion and green onion on top of the tofu, arranging them attractively.
Step 8
Let’s make the sauce. In a bowl, combine 200ml of water, 100ml of soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, red pepper flakes, and minced green chili pepper. Mix everything well. We’ll add the sesame oil at the end, so don’t include it here.
Step 9
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the tofu and vegetables arranged in the pan. It’s important to ensure the sauce coats everything well so the tofu absorbs the flavors.
Step 10
Now, cover the pan with a lid and simmer over medium-low heat until it’s bubbling gently. Once the sauce comes to a boil, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced to a glaze. Spooning some of the simmering sauce over the tofu occasionally will help distribute the flavor evenly. Just before it’s done, drizzle a little sesame oil over the top for an added nutty aroma and delicious finish.
