Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu with Bean Sprouts
Guaranteed Delicious: The Ultimate Way to Make Braised Tofu with Bean Sprouts!
My children love braised tofu, so I often make it. While it’s delicious with just tofu, adding ingredients like bean sprouts or mung bean sprouts that are leftover in the fridge can make it incredibly tasty. This recipe is perfect for using up those odds and ends!
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 200g mung bean sprouts (about 1 large handful)
- 1 stalk green onion
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (optional, adjust spiciness)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
Sauce Ingredients- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp red pepper paste (gochujang)
- 1-2 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 100ml water (1/2 cup)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp red pepper paste (gochujang)
- 1-2 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 100ml water (1/2 cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Pat the tofu dry with paper towels. Season it lightly with 2-3 pinches of salt and a dash of pepper. This helps the tofu hold its shape and absorb flavor better.
Step 2
Slice the seasoned tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5-2cm thick. Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a preheated pan and pan-fry the tofu until golden brown on all sides. Remove the fried tofu from the pan and let it cool slightly.
Step 3
In a clean pan, combine 2 Tbsp of cooking oil and 1 Tbsp of red pepper flakes. Stir-fry over low heat until fragrant, being careful not to burn the flakes. Once the aroma is released, add 2 Tbsp of red pepper paste and stir-fry over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes. This step removes any raw taste from the paste and develops a deeper flavor.
Step 4
To the stir-fried paste, add 1 Tbsp of sugar, 1 Tbsp of fish sauce (or soy sauce), and 1 Tbsp of cooking wine (mirin) in order. Mix well and stir-fry briefly. Then, pour in 100ml of water (about 1/2 cup) and bring to a boil over high heat to create the braising sauce.
Step 5
Once the sauce is boiling, add the pan-fried tofu, washed mung bean sprouts, diagonally sliced green onion, and thinly sliced Korean green chili pepper (if using). Cover the pan and cook over medium-high heat for about 1 minute, or until the vegetables are just wilted.
Step 6
Finally, stir in 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic and gently mix everything together until well combined. Your delicious braised tofu with bean sprouts is ready! It’s incredibly tasty served over a bowl of hot rice.
