Spicy and Savory Braised Tofu: A Golden Recipe
Make a Delicious and Quick Braised Tofu Dish with a Spicy Sauce
Hello everyone! Today, I’ll be sharing a quick and delicious recipe for spicy braised tofu, perfect even for unexpected situations. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, guaranteed to make your mealtime special!
Main Ingredients- 1 block of firm tofu (for pan-frying or stew)
- Pinch of salt (for seasoning tofu)
- Cooking oil (for pan-frying tofu)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Braised tofu recipes can be varied, and the sauce ratio might change slightly each time you make it, offering a different flavor. First, cut one block of tofu into bite-sized pieces (about 12 servings). Ensure they are not too thin to maintain their shape during cooking.
Step 2
Gently pat the surface of the tofu with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Removing moisture prevents oil splattering when frying and helps the tofu become crispier.
Step 3
Sprinkle a pinch of salt over all sides of the tofu for seasoning. This step allows the tofu to absorb a subtle flavor, making it taste even better. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Step 4
Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the prepared tofu in the hot oil. Fry each side until golden brown and slightly crispy. Pan-frying the tofu beforehand helps it hold its shape better when braised.
Step 5
Prepare the vegetables to add with the sauce. Slice half an onion thinly. Diagonally slice the green onion and chili peppers (both Korean green and red chilies). Adding chilies will enhance the visual appeal and add a spicy kick.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the spicy braising sauce. In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix well. The sugar balances the spiciness and adds a touch of sweetness.
Step 7
While preparing the sauce, arrange the pan-fried tofu in a pot or deep pan. Top with the sliced onions, then pour the prepared sauce evenly over the tofu and onions. Add 1 cup (200ml) of water. (If you have time, using anchovy-kelp broth will add even more depth of flavor.)
Step 8
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu. Spooning some of the sauce over the tofu occasionally will ensure it absorbs the flavor evenly.
Step 9
Finally, add the diagonally sliced green onions and chili peppers. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The aroma of the green onions and peppers will enrich the flavor, completing your delicious spicy braised tofu. Enjoy with a warm bowl of rice!