Spicy Soy Braised Tofu: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish
How to Make Simple Spicy Soy Braised Tofu: A Recipe That Will Finish Your Rice Bowl in No Time!
Who needs a fancy main dish when you have a simple yet incredibly delicious side dish that can make you devour a whole bowl of rice? Today, we’re making a wonderfully easy and flavorful Spicy Soy Braised Tofu using just a few simple ingredients. The combination of spicy and savory flavors with the rich, nutty taste of tofu makes this a true rice thief! It’s also perfect with a glass of soju. Let’s get cooking!
Main Ingredients- 1/2 block Tofu (approx. 200g)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/2 Green Onion (scallion)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
Flavorful Braising Sauce- 100ml Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang type or regular)
- 2 Tbsp Soup Soy Sauce (for deeper umami)
- 1 Tbsp Rice Wine (Mirin or Sake)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Oligosaccharide)
- 150ml Water
- 100ml Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang type or regular)
- 2 Tbsp Soup Soy Sauce (for deeper umami)
- 1 Tbsp Rice Wine (Mirin or Sake)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Oligosaccharide)
- 150ml Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables that will add flavor to our braised tofu. Slice the onion into strips about 2cm thick. If you slice them too thinly, they’ll lose their texture quickly when cooked. Slicing them a bit thicker will help maintain their shape and bite even after braising.
Step 2
For the same reason as the onion, slice the green onion (scallion) into large, diagonal pieces. These larger pieces will add a wonderful aroma and an appealing look to the dish.
Step 3
Gently rinse the tofu under running water. Then, slice it into pieces less than 2cm thick so that it can absorb the braising sauce well. Slicing it too thinly might cause it to break apart easily.
Step 4
After slicing the tofu, make sure to thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels. If there’s excess moisture, the oil might splatter when frying, and the tofu won’t get nicely browned and slightly firm.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the star of the show – the braising sauce! First, measure out 100ml of soy sauce (about 1/2 cup) and pour it into a bowl. This forms the base of our savory flavor.
Step 6
Next, add 2 tablespoons of soup soy sauce for an added layer of savory depth. Soup soy sauce provides a richer, more complex umami compared to regular soy sauce.
Step 7
Add 1 tablespoon of rice wine (like Mirin or Sake) to help remove any potential ‘beany’ smell from the tofu and to enhance the overall flavor profile. It acts similarly to how it’s used in meat or fish dishes.
Step 8
Pour in 3 tablespoons of corn syrup (or oligosaccharide) for a touch of sweetness. This is essential for achieving a glossy finish and a delightful sweet-savory balance.
Step 9
Add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a pleasant spiciness. You can adjust the amount according to your preference for heat.
Step 10
Stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for a fresh, pungent flavor. The garlic’s aroma will deepen the complexity of the sauce.
Step 11
Finally, add 150ml of water (about 3/4 cup). This water will help prevent the sauce from burning during the braising process and allow the tofu to absorb the flavors evenly. It creates the perfect amount of braising liquid.
Step 12
Now that all the sauce ingredients are in the bowl, whisk everything together thoroughly with a whisk or spoon until well combined. A good mix ensures a delicious outcome.
Step 13
Let’s start braising! Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Let the pan get warm.
Step 14
Carefully place the dried, sliced tofu pieces into the heated pan, arranging them neatly. Try to fill the pan without too much overlap.
Step 15
Pan-fry the tofu over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and slightly firm. Be gentle when flipping, as tofu can break easily. It’s best to flip each side just once when it’s nicely browned. I cooked each side for about 4 minutes. This step gives the tofu a slightly firmer exterior and a wonderful nutty aroma.
Step 16
Once the tofu is beautifully golden on both sides, add the sliced onions around the tofu pieces. The onions will soften and release their sweetness as they cook.
Step 17
Next, pour the prepared spicy soy sauce mixture over the tofu and onions. Make sure the sauce coats everything evenly.
Step 18
Turn the heat up to high and bring the sauce to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, either covered or uncovered. The goal is to let the sauce reduce and thicken slightly, coating the tofu.
Step 19
After about 10 minutes of simmering, you’ll notice a delicious, slightly reduced sauce remaining at the bottom of the pan. This concentrated sauce is key to the dish’s flavor.
Step 20
Now it’s time to add the aromatic green onions. Scatter the sliced green onions evenly over the top of the tofu.
Step 21
To keep the tofu pieces intact and looking beautiful, try not to stir or disturb them too much. Gently push the green onions down into the sauce using a spoon or tongs, mixing them in without breaking the tofu.
Step 22
Finally, reduce the heat to low and simmer for just 1 more minute. This allows the green onions to release their fragrance. Taste the sauce – if it’s not salty enough for your liking, you can add a little more soy sauce or water and let it simmer briefly to intensify the flavor further.
Step 23
And there you have it! Your delicious Spicy Soy Braised Tofu is ready. Serve it over hot, steamed rice for a delightful meal!
