Spicy and Savory Braised Tofu
A Delicious and Healthy Braised Tofu Recipe with a Zesty Kick – Perfect for a Light Side Dish
When your appetite is low, there’s nothing quite like a zesty braised tofu dish! This recipe features soft tofu simmered in a delicious spicy sauce that’s sure to become a favorite. It has a wonderful texture – slightly chewy on the outside and tender on the inside – and the savory, spicy sauce will whet your appetite, making you devour a bowl of rice in no time. It’s easy to make, so even beginner cooks can confidently give it a try, making it an excellent healthy side dish.
Main Ingredients- 1 block (approx. 300g) firm tofu
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- Pinch of salt
Spicy Braising Sauce- 200ml anchovy or kelp broth (or rice water)
- 3.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1.5 Tbsp fish sauce (or clam extract)
- 0.5 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1-2 Korean chili peppers (cheongyang peppers)
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- Small bunch of green onion
- 200ml anchovy or kelp broth (or rice water)
- 3.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1.5 Tbsp fish sauce (or clam extract)
- 0.5 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1-2 Korean chili peppers (cheongyang peppers)
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- Small bunch of green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 1 block of tofu (approximately 300g). Slice it into pieces that are slightly less than 1 cm thick, aiming for uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking and a pleasing presentation.
Step 2
To subtly enhance the tofu’s flavor, sprinkle a few pinches of salt evenly over the surface of the sliced tofu. A little black pepper can also be added for extra aroma (optional).
Step 3
Let the salted tofu sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the salt to gently season the tofu.
Step 4
After 10 minutes, gently press the tofu slices with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Removing moisture helps the tofu achieve a nicely seared, slightly crisp exterior when fried.
Step 5
Finely chop the vegetables for the braising sauce: green onion, onion, Korean chili peppers, and red bell pepper. Adjust the quantities to your preference. Fresh vegetables add depth and flavor to the sauce.
Step 6
Thinly slice the red bell pepper diagonally, and finely mince the onion, Korean chili peppers, and green onion. The red bell pepper adds color, while the minced vegetables will meld beautifully into the sauce.
Step 7
Now, let’s make the spicy braising sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine 200ml of anchovy or kelp broth (or rice water/plain water if unavailable), 3.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 2.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 0.5 Tbsp sugar, 1.5 Tbsp fish sauce, and 0.5 Tbsp perilla oil. Add the prepared minced onion, Korean chili peppers, red bell pepper, and green onion. (Tip: Using anchovy broth or rice water significantly enhances the umami flavor. You can also use a bouillon cube for convenience.)
Step 8
Stir the sauce ingredients thoroughly with a spoon until well combined and no lumps remain. Ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed within the sauce.
Step 9
Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil and 1 Tbsp of perilla oil and let it heat up. Once the pan is sufficiently hot, carefully place the prepared tofu slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. (Tip: Using 2 Tbsp of cooking oil can make the tofu too greasy; 1 Tbsp is usually sufficient.)
Step 10
Maintain medium-low heat and pan-fry the tofu until each side is golden brown and slightly crispy. Flip gently to ensure even cooking without burning.
Step 11
Use a spatula to carefully turn the tofu slices, making sure not to break them, and continue to fry until all sides are beautifully golden.
Step 12
Once the tofu is golden brown on both sides, pour the prepared spicy braising sauce evenly over the tofu.
Step 13
Spread the sauce gently with a spoon to coat the tofu evenly. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently, allowing the sauce to penetrate the tofu. (Tip: The sauce can thicken quickly, so keep the heat at medium-low to low to prevent burning.)
Step 14
Continue to simmer until the sauce has slightly reduced and the tofu is well-coated and infused with flavor. This creates a moist yet perfectly seasoned braised tofu.
Step 15
Just before turning off the heat, or immediately after, drizzle with an additional 0.5 Tbsp of perilla oil. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and enhances the overall taste.
Step 16
Finish with a final sprinkle of black pepper. Your delicious spicy braised tofu, with its delightful kick and savory depth, is now ready to be enjoyed with a warm bowl of rice!
