Spicy Braised Tofu: A Delicious Korean Home-Style Side Dish
How to Make Delicious Braised Tofu, the Perfect Home-Style Side Dish
Having braised tofu as a staple side dish means you’ll finish a bowl of rice in no time! Braised tofu is a fantastic home-style dish when you don’t have much appetite. Its comforting flavors make it a go-to for any meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 1/3 medium onion (approx. 50g)
- 1/3 stalk large green onion (approx. 30g)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 3-5 dried anchovies (for broth)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, slice the firm tofu into thick pieces, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Place the sliced tofu on paper towels and let it drain for about 10 minutes to remove excess water. This helps prevent the tofu from breaking apart and ensures a better texture when pan-fried.
Step 2
For an extra crispy exterior, you can lightly dust the drained tofu with rice flour or a frying mix (optional). Heat 1.5 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the tofu slices in the pan and pan-fry them until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Cook until a beautiful golden-brown color is achieved.
Step 3
In a pot, combine 400ml (about 2 cups) of water with 3-5 dried anchovies for the broth. Bring this to a boil. Using anchovies for the broth will significantly deepen the umami flavor of the braised tofu. Once the water boils, remove and discard the anchovies.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the braising sauce that defines the flavor of this dish! While the anchovy broth is simmering, in a separate bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, and 2 tablespoons of gochugaru. Stir well until thoroughly combined. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of gochugaru or add more chopped Korean green chili peppers.
Step 5
Once the anchovy broth is boiling, add the prepared braising sauce and stir to dissolve it. As the sauce begins to bubble, arrange the pan-fried tofu slices evenly in a single layer at the bottom of the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the tofu simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to be absorbed. Basting the tofu with the sauce from the pot will enhance the flavor even further.
Step 6
To add color and complexity to the braised tofu, prepare your garnish ingredients. Thinly slice the red and Korean green chili peppers diagonally, removing the seeds. Slice the onion into strips or larger pieces, as you prefer. You can also add mushrooms or other vegetables if desired.
Step 7
As the braised tofu is nearing completion, add the prepared chili peppers and onion slices to the pot, distributing them evenly. These vegetables will cook down and infuse their flavors into the dish. Cover the pot (or leave it uncovered, depending on your desired sauce consistency) and continue to simmer for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has slightly reduced.
Step 8
When the sauce has reached your desired consistency (nicely reduced and coating the tofu) and all the ingredients are cooked through, turn off the heat. Your delicious braised tofu is now ready! For a final touch, garnish with some freshly chopped green onion.
Step 9
The braised tofu is complete and perfect served over warm rice! This spicy and savory dish is a magical side that will make you devour a bowl of rice, especially during hot summer days when your appetite might be low. We hope you try making this delightful dish!
