Spicy Braised Tofu and Radish: A Rice-Stealing Dish!
A delicious recipe for braised tofu and radish, seasoned with a spicy and savory sauce that will make you want to eat more rice. It’s a true rice thief!
This dish features tender tofu and refreshing radish, braised together in a savory and slightly sweet, spicy sauce. It’s a perfect side dish that will surely become a family favorite. Simple yet bursting with flavor, this recipe is guaranteed to delight everyone at the table!
Main Ingredients- Tofu 300g (2 blocks)
- 1 Onion
- 4-5 pieces of Radish (about 1cm thick)
- Scallions, as needed (chopped)
- 2-3 Cheongyang peppers (sliced diagonally)
Seasoning Ingredients- 6 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp Fish Sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper (2 shakes)
- Pinch of Sesame Seeds (sprinkled)
- 1.5 cups Water (standard paper cup)
- 6 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp Fish Sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper (2 shakes)
- Pinch of Sesame Seeds (sprinkled)
- 1.5 cups Water (standard paper cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the 300g of tofu (2 blocks) into bite-sized pieces, approximately 3x3cm. Place the cut tofu on paper towels to drain excess water. This step helps the tofu hold its shape and become more flavorful when fried.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a mixture of perilla oil (deulgireum) and cooking oil in a 1:1 ratio. Pan-fry the tofu pieces on both sides until golden brown and slightly crispy. Using perilla oil adds a wonderful nutty aroma and enhances the taste. Set the fried tofu aside.
Step 3
Prepare the vegetables for the braising. Slice the onion thinly, and cut the radish into thick pieces of about 1cm. Chop the scallions and thinly slice the Cheongyang peppers diagonally after removing the seeds. Having all vegetables prepped makes the cooking process smoother.
Step 4
Now, begin assembling the braised dish in a pot. First, spread a layer of sliced onions at the bottom of the pot. Then, arrange the radish pieces on top of the onions. Finally, place the pan-fried tofu pieces attractively over the radish.
Step 5
In a separate bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients to make the sauce. Mix 6 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 0.5 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of black pepper (about 2 shakes). Pour this flavorful sauce evenly over the ingredients in the pot.
Step 6
Add 1.5 cups of water (using a standard paper cup, approximately 270ml) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. You can braise with the lid on or off, depending on your preference for the sauce consistency. While simmering, periodically spoon some of the broth over the tofu to ensure it absorbs the flavors evenly and stays moist.
Step 7
Check if the radish is tender. Continue to simmer until the sauce is slightly reduced but still present. Having a bit of broth remaining makes the braised tofu softer and tastier. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or fish sauce if needed.
Step 8
This is the final cooking step. Add the chopped scallions and diagonally sliced Cheongyang peppers to the pot. Simmer for a few more minutes until they are fragrant and tender. The addition of scallions and spicy peppers will further enhance the dish’s aroma and spicy flavor.
Step 9
Transfer the finished braised tofu and radish to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch of nutty flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish with a bowl of warm rice – it’s truly a meal that will make you want to go back for seconds!
