Delicious Braised Tofu with Gochujang
Incredibly Delicious Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim)
This braised tofu is incredibly flavorful, featuring a delicious blend of gochujang (Korean chili paste) and gochugaru oil. The balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes makes it a perfect side dish that will have you reaching for more rice.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Firm Tofu (cut into thick, long pieces)
- 1/2 Zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
- 1/2 Onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 Korean Green Chili Peppers (sliced diagonally)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (sliced diagonally, optional for color)
- 100g Ground Pork
Pork Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- Pinch of Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Braising Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru Oil (or chili oil)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Rice Wine (or Mirin)
- 100ml Water
- 1/2 tsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- Pinch of Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Braising Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru Oil (or chili oil)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Rice Wine (or Mirin)
- 100ml Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the tofu by slicing it into thick, long pieces, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Cutting it thickly prevents it from breaking apart too easily during cooking.
Step 2
Slice the zucchini into half-moon shapes, about 0.7 cm thick. Avoid slicing them too thinly, as they will hold their shape better and absorb the sauce nicely without becoming mushy.
Step 3
Remove the stems from the Korean green chilies and slice them diagonally about 0.5 cm thick. If using, slice the red bell pepper similarly. These add a lovely kick and vibrant color.
Step 4
Thinly slice the onion. The natural sweetness of the onion will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the braised tofu.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine the ground pork with 1/2 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp sugar, a pinch of sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well with your hands to marinate the pork. This step helps to remove any gamey odors and enhances the overall flavor.
Step 6
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the braising sauce ingredients: 3 Tbsp gochujang, 3 Tbsp gochugaru oil, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp rice wine, and 100ml water. Ensure the sauce is well combined. Preparing the sauce in advance makes the cooking process smoother.
Step 7
Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over medium-high heat. Gently pan-fry the tofu slices until they are golden brown on both sides. This crucial step makes the tofu firmer and prevents it from crumbling, while also adding a delicious toasted flavor.
Step 8
In a deep pot or pan, arrange the pan-fried tofu, marinated ground pork, sliced zucchini, onions, and chilies. Pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over everything. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 9
The wonderful aroma fills the kitchen! Once the sauce has nicely coated all the ingredients and the liquid has reduced to a savory glaze, your delicious braised tofu is ready. Serve it hot over a bowl of rice for a comforting meal, or as a flavorful side dish with your favorite Korean meal. Enjoy!
