Delicious Braised Tofu Recipe
Home-style Braised Tofu with Golden Ratio Seasoning (Easy Recipe for Beginners)
An incredibly simple recipe for braised tofu that you can make at home. Anyone can follow along easily.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 Onion
- 4 Shiitake Mushrooms
- 1/2 Cheongyang Pepper (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Tofu: Gently rinse the firm tofu under running water after removing it from the package. Pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick.
Step 2
Season and Pan-fry the Tofu: Lightly sprinkle the cut tofu pieces with salted seasoning powder for a subtle initial flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the tofu pieces in the pan and pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides. This step helps the tofu hold its shape and adds a pleasant texture.
Step 3
Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the onion. Remove the stems from the shiitake mushrooms and thinly slice the caps. Finely chop the green onion and the optional Cheongyang pepper. (Add the Cheongyang pepper if you enjoy a spicier kick).
Step 4
Make the Braising Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, gochugaru, minced garlic, sugar, mirin, corn syrup, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Whisk everything together until well combined. Stir in the chopped green onion and Cheongyang pepper.
Step 5
Coat the Tofu with Sauce: Add the pan-fried tofu pieces to the prepared braising sauce. Gently toss them to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the sauce. Be careful not to stir too vigorously to prevent the tofu from breaking apart.
Step 6
Arrange in a Pot: Layer the sauced tofu evenly at the bottom of a pot or a deep pan. Artfully arrange the sliced onions and shiitake mushrooms on top of the tofu.
Step 7
Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in enough water to almost cover the tofu. Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened and the flavors have melded into the tofu. Gently flip the tofu pieces halfway through to ensure even coating.
Step 8
Finish and Plate: Once the sauce has reduced to your liking, turn off the heat. Carefully transfer the braised tofu and vegetables to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Step 9
Enjoy Your Meal: Serve this delicious braised tofu hot with a bowl of steamed white rice. It’s a perfect, satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with rice!
