Super Simple Spicy Braised Tofu Recipe
Spicy and Sweet! A Quick Side Dish: Simple Braised Tofu
Introducing an incredibly easy recipe for spicy and sweet braised tofu, a beloved Korean side dish that’s always delicious. You can whip this up quickly without any complicated steps, making it perfect for busy days. Get ready to devour a bowl of rice with this addictive flavor! Let’s make it now!
Main Ingredients- 1 block of firm tofu (approx. 300-350g)
Spicy & Sweet Sauce- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, a heaping tablespoon)
- 0.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to your spice preference)
- 3 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine like Cheongju)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar (can be substituted with corn syrup or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced garlic
- Finely minced half a Cheongyang chili pepper (or more if you like it spicy)
- 3 Tbsp Finely minced onion
- 2 Tbsp Chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, a heaping tablespoon)
- 0.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to your spice preference)
- 3 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine like Cheongju)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar (can be substituted with corn syrup or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced garlic
- Finely minced half a Cheongyang chili pepper (or more if you like it spicy)
- 3 Tbsp Finely minced onion
- 2 Tbsp Chopped green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently pat the tofu dry with paper towels, then cut it into cubes of about 1.5 to 2 cm. Place the tofu cubes in a steamer lined with cheesecloth and steam for about 3 minutes with the lid on. Alternatively, place the tofu in a microwave-safe container, cover with plastic wrap, poke a few holes, and microwave for 3 minutes. This process firms up the tofu, preventing it from breaking apart and helping it absorb the sauce better.
Step 2
While the tofu is steaming, combine all the sauce ingredients (gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced Cheongyang chili, and minced onion) in a small bowl. Mix well with a spoon to create the sauce. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Step 3
Add all the steamed tofu to the bowl with the prepared sauce. Gently toss to coat the tofu evenly without breaking it. Transfer the sauced tofu to a microwave-safe container or use the steamer. Sprinkle the chopped green onions evenly on top for garnish.
Step 4
Microwave for 10 to 15 minutes. You don’t need to add extra water; the tofu and onion will release their own juices to create a savory sauce. Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage. For even better flavor, you can open the microwave halfway through and spoon some of the sauce over the tofu.
Step 5
Serve your deliciously completed spicy and sweet braised tofu immediately for a delightful meal! It’s also fantastic spooned over hot rice for a quick and satisfying meal.
