Spicy & Savory Braised Tofu: The Golden Ratio Recipe
Transform Stale Tofu into a Delicious Rice Companion: Spicy Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim)
Found some tofu in the fridge nearing its expiration date? Don’t worry! Even if it’s a day past, the consumption period is likely still valid, so we can safely turn it into a delicious dish. Today, I’m sharing a recipe for a perfectly spicy and incredibly flavorful braised tofu that will make you want to eat it with a bowl of hot rice. The combination of hot rice and this spicy sauce is a party in your mouth! This recipe uses one block of tofu to create a satisfying and wonderful meal. Ready to fall in love with tofu through this golden recipe?
Main Ingredients- 1 block Tofu (firm tofu recommended)
- 1/2 Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/3 Green Onion (chopped)
- 0.5 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (for nutty aroma!)
Spicy Golden Sauce- 100ml Water (to mellow the sauce)
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce (base flavor)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for spiciness)
- 0.5 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (for umami boost!)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (enhances flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (for sweetness and glaze)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (completes the nutty flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for texture and nutty finish)
- 100ml Water (to mellow the sauce)
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce (base flavor)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for spiciness)
- 0.5 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (for umami boost!)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (enhances flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (for sweetness and glaze)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (completes the nutty flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for texture and nutty finish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully open the tofu package and place it in a colander to drain excess water. This step helps the tofu hold its shape better and absorb the sauce more effectively during cooking.
Step 2
Peel and thinly slice the onion. Wash and finely chop the green onion. Adding vegetables will significantly enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine 100ml water, 4 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 0.5 Tbsp oyster sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Mix well to create the delicious ‘Spicy Golden Sauce’. The golden ratio makes it extra flavorful!
Step 4
Cut the drained tofu into bite-sized pieces. To prevent crumbling, aim for pieces about 1.5 to 2 cm thick.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add 0.5 Tbsp cooking oil and 1 Tbsp perilla oil. Perilla oil has a low smoke point, so it can burn easily on high heat. Arrange the cut tofu pieces in the pan and pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides. This gives the tofu a pleasant texture and helps it maintain its shape.
Step 6
Avoid frying the tofu until it’s crispy. Aim for a tender, golden-brown exterior. This gentle cooking method preserves the soft texture of the tofu.
Step 7
Once the tofu is fragrant and nicely browned, add the sliced onions and chopped green onions evenly over the tofu. The vegetables will soften and add sweetness and aroma as they cook.
Step 8
Pour the prepared ‘Spicy Golden Sauce’ evenly over the tofu and vegetables. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the sauce from burning.
Step 9
After 5 minutes of simmering, cover the pan and cook for an additional 1 minute. This final step ensures the sauce penetrates deeply into the tofu, enhancing its flavor. Continue to maintain medium-low heat.
Step 10
Voila! Your simple and delicious ‘Spicy Golden Braised Tofu’ is ready. Serve it generously on a plate and enjoy with a bowl of hot rice. It’s a true rice thief!
