Braised Tofu with Golden Sauce: A Rice-Stealing Recipe
Mastering the Delicious Braised Tofu Sauce
A true ‘rice thief’! With just rice and this braised tofu, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time! Today, let’s make some delicious braised tofu using a flavorful sauce. Get ready for a dish that will make your taste buds sing!
Main Ingredients for Braised Tofu- 1 block firm tofu (firm or frying tofu recommended)
- 1 stalk green onion (about 20cm length)
- 3 Tbsp perilla oil (for pan-frying)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Golden Sauce for Braised Tofu- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes; adjust to spice preference)
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust to sweetness preference)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (use regular soy sauce, not soup soy sauce)
- 1/2 Tbsp oyster sauce (for umami boost!)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for rich aroma!)
- 120ml water (approx. 2/3 cup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes; adjust to spice preference)
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust to sweetness preference)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (use regular soy sauce, not soup soy sauce)
- 1/2 Tbsp oyster sauce (for umami boost!)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for rich aroma!)
- 120ml water (approx. 2/3 cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the star of our delicious braised tofu: the sauce! In a small bowl, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic.
Step 2
Next, add 1.5 Tbsp of gochugaru for a touch of spiciness. Feel free to adjust this amount based on your preferred heat level.
Step 3
For a hint of sweetness, add 1.5 Tbsp of sugar. You can also adjust this to your liking.
Step 4
Now, pour in 4 Tbsp of soy sauce, which forms the base of our savory flavor. It’s best to use regular soy sauce (jin ganjang) rather than soup soy sauce for a deeper taste.
Step 5
To enhance the overall flavor profile, add 1/2 Tbsp of oyster sauce. This will add a wonderful depth and complexity to the sauce.
Step 6
Add 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for a rich, nutty aroma that complements the dish beautifully.
Step 7
Finally, pour in 120ml of water (about 2/3 of a standard cup). Whisk everything together with a spoon until all the sauce ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Step 8
Prepare the green onion for a pop of color and freshness. Chop it into large pieces, about 20cm in length. You can slice it diagonally or cut it lengthwise into thick strips.
Step 9
Gently press the tofu blocks with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent splattering when frying and allows the tofu to absorb the sauce better. Once drained, cut the tofu into desired pieces (approximately 2-3cm thick).
Step 10
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add 3 Tbsp of perilla oil. Carefully place the tofu slices into the hot oil and pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides. Frying until the surface is slightly firm will give the tofu a better texture.
Step 11
Once the tofu is nicely browned on both sides, push the pieces to one side of the pan. Pour the prepared sauce into the empty space. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer, coating the tofu until it’s nicely braised. Be gentle to avoid breaking the tofu.
Step 12
When the sauce has well coated the tofu and has slightly thickened, add the chopped green onions. Simmer for another minute or two until the green onions soften slightly and release their fragrance, infusing the dish with more flavor.
Step 13
Finally, sprinkle 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds over the braised tofu for a final touch of nutty flavor and visual appeal. Your delicious braised tofu is now ready to be enjoyed!
