Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) – Sweet & Savory Style
Easy Korean Side Dish: Sumi’s Kitchen Braised Tofu Recipe with Caramelized Onions
Introducing a protein-packed braised tofu (Dubu Jorim) recipe, enhanced with the natural sweetness of sautéed onions and a savory-sweet sauce. This recipe, inspired by the popular Korean show ‘Sumi’s Kitchen’, offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The tofu is pan-fried until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and tender inside. The addition of lightly caramelized onions brings a wonderful sweetness that complements the salty and slightly spicy sauce. This Dubu Jorim is a perfect banchan (side dish) that makes a simple bowl of rice an absolute delight. If you love tofu, you’ll adore the satisfying contrast between the tender tofu and the rich, flavorful sauce. The sweet onions add an extra layer of deliciousness, making this dish truly irresistible.
Ingredients- 1.5 blocks firm tofu (approx. 450g)
- 4 Tbsp chopped scallions (or 4 Tbsp chopped white part of leek)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 green chili pepper (e.g., Korean Cheongyang pepper)
- 1 onion
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp water
- Cooking oil for frying
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by draining the tofu thoroughly. Press the tofu gently between layers of paper towels to remove as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial for achieving a good texture. The amount (1.5 blocks) is based on standard supermarket tofu sizes; adjust if your tofu blocks are larger or smaller.
Step 2
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the drained tofu blocks into the hot oil. Pan-fry the tofu until it’s golden brown and lightly crispy on all sides. This creates a wonderful textural contrast.
Step 3
While the tofu is frying, prepare the sauce ingredients. Thinly slice the red and green chili peppers lengthwise, then mince them finely. If you don’t have scallions or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute with the white parts of leeks, thinly sliced. Feel free to add more scallions if you enjoy their flavor.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine the minced chili peppers and chopped scallions (or leeks). Add the soy sauce, minced garlic, gochugaru, sesame oil, and water. Whisk everything together until well combined to create the flavorful braising sauce.
Step 5
In a separate pan (or after removing the fried tofu), add a little cooking oil and stir-fry the thinly sliced onion over medium-low heat. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and slightly softened, releasing its natural sweetness. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor.
Step 6
Check the tofu. Ensure both sides are nicely browned and have a slightly firm texture. The golden-brown exterior contributes to the pleasing chewiness, while the inside remains soft and delicate.
Step 7
You can finish this dish in two ways, depending on your preference. Option 1: Push the fried tofu to the side of the pan and pour the prepared sauce into the center. Let it simmer gently and coat the tofu. Option 2: Simply ladle the sauce over the fried tofu directly in the pan or on a serving plate. Both methods yield delicious results!
Step 8
Your delicious and savory Braised Tofu is ready! The combination of the well-seasoned tofu, the sweet, softened onions, and the savory sauce creates a wonderfully addictive flavor profile that’s perfect as a side dish.
Step 9
Serve the Dubu Jorim warm with a bowl of steamed rice. The rich, flavorful tofu paired with the sweet and savory sauce is guaranteed to make your meal incredibly satisfying.
