Spicy and Savory Braised Tofu with Pork
Daejeon’s Famous Dubu Duruchigi (Braised Tofu with Pork) Recipe – A Rice Thief!
The perfect dish for when you have a low appetite! This spicy yet incredibly flavorful braised tofu with pork has a magical taste that makes you unable to stop eating. We introduce you to a wonderfully spicy Dubu Duruchigi that will make you devour a bowl of rice in no time.
Main Ingredients
- Pork 200g (for stew or bulgogi)
- Tofu 1 block (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 Green onion
- 1/2 Red chili pepper
- 1 Green chili pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 500ml Broth or water (anchovy-kelp broth recommended)
- A little sesame seeds
- A little perilla oil
- Mushrooms (shiitake, oyster mushrooms, etc.) (optional)
- Spinach (optional)
- Dumplings (optional, for a more hearty meal)
Seasoning Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 2/3 Tbsp Minced garlic
Pork Marinade
- 1 tsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1/2 tsp Ginger juice (or a pinch of ginger powder if unavailable)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 2/3 Tbsp Minced garlic
Pork Marinade
- 1 tsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1/2 tsp Ginger juice (or a pinch of ginger powder if unavailable)
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
For a more engaging and detailed visual guide to this recipe, please refer to the YouTube video link above (https://youtu.be/BjruAkujq88)! It will enhance your cooking experience.
Step 2
First, combine all the ingredients for the ‘Seasoning Sauce’ in a bowl. Mix them thoroughly with a spoon to create the sauce. Ensure there are no clumps by blending it well.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables. Slice the onion thinly to ensure it softens and absorbs the flavors well. Cut the green onion and chili peppers into thin diagonal pieces for color and presentation. If using mushrooms, trim off just the tough bottom part of the stems.
Step 4
To make the tofu look appealing and absorb the sauce effectively, it’s best to cut it into thick pieces, about 1.5cm to 2cm thick. Cutting it too thinly might cause it to break apart easily.
Step 5
For the pork, add all the ‘Pork Marinade’ ingredients and gently mix it with your hands until well combined. Letting it marinate for about 5 minutes will help the flavors penetrate the meat better.
Step 6
It’s time to start cooking! In a pot, first lay down the thinly sliced onion and diagonally cut green onion at the bottom. Then, arrange the thick tofu pieces, marinated pork, and sliced chili peppers attractively on top. Finally, spoon the prepared seasoning sauce over the pork, and gently pour in the broth or water around the edges of the pot.
Step 7
I personally used frozen broth leftover from making kimchi. If that’s inconvenient, you can certainly use store-bought anchovy-kelp broth or even plain water. Using broth will add a deeper, more complex savory flavor. (Reference: @6923322)
Step 8
Now, cover the pot with a lid and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it starts bubbling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer gently until the liquid has reduced slightly and all the ingredients are tender, which should take about 17 to 20 minutes. Spooning some of the sauce over the ingredients occasionally will help them absorb the flavor better.
Step 9
Towards the end of cooking, you can optionally add perilla oil, sesame seeds, mushrooms, dumplings, spinach, and the reserved green onion for a richer flavor and texture. Simmering for a little longer with these additions will create an even more complex taste. However, enjoying it as is right after the initial simmering is also delicious! (Tip: The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor becomes!)
