Braised Tofu (Baek Jong-won Style)
How to Make Delicious Braised Tofu with Baek Jong-won’s Signature Seasoning Sauce
Tofu is a nutritious, affordable, and delicious staple side dish! While it’s great simply pan-fried or blanched, braising it in a savory soy sauce-based seasoning sauce makes it an irresistible rice accompaniment. This recipe uses Baek Jong-won’s special sauce for a deeper, more flavorful braised tofu. Just one block of firm tofu can create a satisfying meal, making it a popular choice for any household. Let’s make Baek Jong-won’s Braised Tofu right now!
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (Cheongyang)
- A little Scallion
- Cooking Oil (for pan-frying)
- 200ml Water
Baek Jong-won’s Seasoning Sauce- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Salted Shrimp (minced)
- 1 Tbsp Low-Sodium Soup Soy Sauce or Fish Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 5 Tbsp Water
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Salted Shrimp (minced)
- 1 Tbsp Low-Sodium Soup Soy Sauce or Fish Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 5 Tbsp Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently press the tofu between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Thoroughly draining the tofu prevents oil splattering during frying and helps it firm up.
Step 2
Slice the drained tofu into thick pieces, about 1cm thick. Cutting it too thin might cause it to break apart during cooking, so aim for a substantial thickness.
Step 3
Thinly slice the onion. Slice the Korean green chilies diagonally, removing the stems. Finely chop the scallions. If you prefer less heat, you can use regular green peppers or omit the chilies.
Step 4
Prepare the signature seasoning sauce for the braised tofu. In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced salted shrimp, 1 Tbsp low-sodium soup soy sauce or fish sauce, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp perilla oil, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 5 Tbsp water. Mix well. Add about half of the chopped scallions and stir them in; this adds extra depth of flavor.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium heat and add enough cooking oil to coat the bottom. Place the tofu slices in a single layer and pan-fry until golden brown on both sides. Frying until golden helps create a pleasant texture. Lightly sprinkling salt on the tofu while frying adds subtle seasoning.
Step 6
Arrange the fried tofu slices in the pan, or temporarily set them aside. Pour 200ml of water into the pan and spread the thinly sliced onions evenly over the tofu.
Step 7
Pour the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over the tofu and onions, ensuring it covers them. Once the sauce begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
Step 8
While it simmers, tilt the pan and spoon some of the sauce over the tofu, or gently ladle it over with a spoon. This process ensures the tofu is evenly coated with the sauce and becomes tender.
Step 9
As the braised tofu reduces and the sauce becomes slightly thickened, drizzle in the remaining 1 Tbsp of perilla oil for a nutty aroma. Finally, scatter the remaining chopped scallions and diagonally sliced green chilies over the top for color and a fresh, vibrant finish.
Step 10
Your delicious Baek Jong-won style braised tofu is ready! The savory and umami-rich seasoning perfectly complements the tender tofu, making it an excellent side dish. Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice!
