Spicy Braised Tofu: A Delicious Korean Classic
Simple and Flavorful Spicy Braised Tofu Recipe
Tofu is such a versatile ingredient, delicious whether simply pan-fried or braised in a savory sauce! Today, we’re making a wonderfully spicy and deeply flavorful braised tofu. This dish is perfect for when you need a satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with rice. It’s a truly comforting and delicious side dish that will have you finishing your bowl of rice in no time!
Main Ingredients- 1 block Tofu (firm or medium-firm)
- 1/3 stalk Green Onion
- 1/4 Onion
- 1 cube Concentrated Broth (or 150ml Anchovy-Dashi Broth)
Spicy Braising Sauce- 2.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – use 1.5 Tbsp for extra spice)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (or corn syrup/oligosaccharide)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (or substitute with regular soy sauce or other anchovy sauce)
- Pinch of Black Pepper (about 5 grinds)
- 150ml Water
- 2.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – use 1.5 Tbsp for extra spice)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (or corn syrup/oligosaccharide)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (or substitute with regular soy sauce or other anchovy sauce)
- Pinch of Black Pepper (about 5 grinds)
- 150ml Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your vegetables. Thinly slice the onion and diagonally slice the green onion. Gently press the tofu between paper towels to remove excess water; this prevents splattering when frying and helps create a crispier exterior. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, typically 2-3 slices per block.
Step 2
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the prepared tofu slices in the hot oil and pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides and along the edges. Pan-frying the tofu beforehand helps it absorb the sauce better and maintains its shape during braising, resulting in a more delicious dish.
Step 3
The key to delicious braised tofu is the sauce! In a bowl, combine 2.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, and about 5 grinds of black pepper. Add 150ml of water and stir well to mix all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more soy sauce or sugar if desired.
Step 4
Once the tofu is nicely browned, add the sliced green onions and onions on top of the tofu in the pan. Pour the prepared spicy sauce evenly over the tofu and vegetables. Finally, add the concentrated broth cube.
Step 5
Cover the pan and simmer over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes. You can alternate between medium and low heat, spooning the sauce over the tofu occasionally or gently flipping the pieces to ensure the sauce penetrates deeply. Once the sauce has thickened slightly and the tofu is glossy, your delicious spicy braised tofu is ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
