Spicy Braised Tofu: A Delicious Side Dish Recipe
Easy and Delicious Spicy Tofu Stew Recipe, Golden Ratio for Braised Fried Tofu
Introducing a recipe for tofu that’s packed with protein and never gets old, pan-fried until golden brown and then simmered in a savory, spicy sauce. While a sweet and savory soy sauce-based marinade is delicious, adding gochugaru (Korean chili powder) creates a wonderfully piquant dish that’s a perfect accompaniment to rice. Simply cut a firm block of tofu into bite-sized pieces, pan-fry until golden, and then simmer in the prepared spicy sauce for a satisfying main side dish. The secret to achieving perfectly firm, non-crumbling fried tofu is to season it with salt beforehand to draw out moisture and firm it up. After this preparation step, pan-fry until golden and then braise in the spicy red sauce. The sauce is easy to make, combining soy sauce with gochugaru, and you can even add chopped chili peppers for extra spiciness according to your preference. This braised tofu is so hearty that you won’t need other side dishes, making it a frequent addition to our meals. I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make this delicious tofu side dish, even if you’re a beginner.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Firm Tofu (500g)
- 3-4 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Sesame Seeds, for garnish
Spicy Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang or Jin-ganjang)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Green Onion
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 100ml Water (approx. 1/2 cup)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang or Jin-ganjang)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Green Onion
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 100ml Water (approx. 1/2 cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop the green onions that will go into the sauce. If you prefer more spiciness, you can add one chopped Cheongyang pepper along with the green onions. Adjust to your taste.
Step 2
Lightly drain the tofu and cut it into bite-sized pieces (about 3-4cm thickness) suitable for a side dish.
Step 3
Arrange the cut tofu on a plate and sprinkle salt evenly over the surface. This step seasons the tofu and helps draw out moisture, firming up the exterior.
Step 4
Cover the salted tofu with paper towels and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The paper towels will absorb the moisture, making the tofu surface even firmer. This prevents the tofu from breaking apart during frying.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp minced green onion, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil, a pinch of black pepper, and 100ml water. Whisk everything together until well combined to create the spicy sauce. Add water to achieve a good consistency, ensuring it’s not too thick.
Step 6
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add about 3-4 Tbsp of cooking oil, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pan.
Step 7
Place the tofu, which has been salted and drained, into the heated oil. Maintain medium heat and cook slowly, turning occasionally, until each side is golden brown.
Step 8
Continue to pan-fry the tofu, flipping it over so that all sides turn a delicious golden-brown color. If the pan seems dry, add a little more oil. Keep the heat moderate to prevent burning.
Step 9
Once the tofu is nicely browned on all sides, it’s time to add the prepared sauce and let it simmer.
Step 10
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the fried tofu in the same pan. Let it simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu well, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Flip the tofu once halfway through to ensure the sauce distributes evenly. Simmer until there’s still a little sauce left, which will keep the tofu moist.
Step 11
This process results in beautifully braised tofu, where the spicy sauce clings to the golden-brown exterior, giving it a lovely sheen.
Step 12
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle a little sesame oil for added aroma and sprinkle with sesame seeds to finish. This braised tofu is such a popular side dish that it disappears in no time! It’s especially delicious served warm with rice. If you’re wondering what to make for dinner tonight, why not try this hearty and flavorful dish using a block of tofu from your fridge? Enjoy a delicious meal with tofu, an excellent source of protein that’s both affordable and nutritious!
