Spring Herb Tofu Stew with Daelrae Jang (Korean Wild Chive Paste)
Delicious Braised Tofu Using Daelrae Jang: A Flavorful Spring Dish
Discover the delightful flavors of spring with this easy-to-make Braised Tofu, enhanced by a homemade Daelrae Jang (Korean wild chive paste). This recipe is perfect for those who love the unique, slightly bitter, and refreshing taste of wild chives. Making a batch of Daelrae Jang ahead of time is incredibly versatile, and this recipe shows you just one of the many delicious ways to use it. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite!
Tofu Stew Ingredients
- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 210g)
- 1 stalk Scallion (Green Onion)
- 2 Tbsp pre-made Daelrae Jang (Wild Chive Paste)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulkkaerim)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1/3 cup Water (approx. 70ml)
Daelrae Jang Ingredients (for pre-making)
- 25 stalks Wild Chives (Daelrae), washed and trimmed
- 2 Tbsp Scallion (white part), finely chopped
- 1/3 small Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular or Jin-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Soup Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulkkaerim)
- 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 25 stalks Wild Chives (Daelrae), washed and trimmed
- 2 Tbsp Scallion (white part), finely chopped
- 1/3 small Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular or Jin-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Soup Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulkkaerim)
- 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The star of today’s dish is tofu! With the flavorful Daelrae Jang you prepared earlier, a delicious braised tofu dish will be ready in no time. You don’t need any other special ingredients; just have some tofu and scallions on hand. Making a generous batch of Daelrae Jang in advance is incredibly useful for many dishes, not just this one.
Step 2
Let’s start by making the Daelrae Jang! Prepare 25 stalks of washed and trimmed wild chives, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped white parts of scallions, 1/3 finely chopped small onion, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Combine these with 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of soup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of perilla oil, and 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds. Mix well, and your delicious Daelrae Jang is ready!
Step 3
Slice the tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm thick. If you prefer a softer texture, you can use the tofu directly without draining its water. However, if you like your braised tofu with a slightly seared and nutty exterior, consider salting the sliced tofu for about 10 minutes, then patting it dry with paper towels before cooking.
Step 4
The scallions will add a wonderful aroma to the stew. Chop them into manageable pieces. The aromatic essence of the scallions will significantly enhance the savory depth of the braised tofu.
Step 5
Now, let’s begin the braising process. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and add 1/3 cup (approx. 70ml) of water. Add the chopped scallions and sauté over medium-low heat. It’s important to stir-fry until the scallions release their sweet, fragrant aroma, creating a fragrant oil base. Once the scallion aroma is prominent, add 1 tablespoon of the pre-made Daelrae Jang and quickly stir-fry together to infuse the flavors. Be careful not to burn the Daelrae Jang.
Step 6
Arrange the prepared tofu pieces neatly on top of the aromatic sauce mixture. Gently spoon some of the sauce over the tofu layers as you stack them. This layering technique ensures that the seasoning is evenly distributed and permeates the tofu thoroughly.
Step 7
Once the tofu has started to absorb the sauce, add 1 tablespoon of sugar to bring in a touch of sweetness. You can also use corn syrup if you prefer. The sugar helps to balance the slight bitterness of the wild chives and enhances the overall savory notes.
Step 8
Simmer gently over medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the tofu to absorb the sauce. Once the tofu is well-seasoned, slightly increase the heat to high and let it reduce further until the sauce thickens. This final step creates a beautiful glossy finish on the tofu, making it look even more appealing. If the stew tastes too salty, add a little water to adjust. If it’s too bland, add more Daelrae Jang. For more sweetness, add sugar or corn syrup to suit your preference. This simple adjustment formula makes it easy to get it just right!
Step 9
When the stew has reduced and the tofu is beautifully glazed, turn off the heat. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle 1 tablespoon of perilla oil over the dish to add a final touch of nutty aroma and flavor. Enjoy your delicious Daelrae Jang Braised Tofu!
