Delicious Pan-Fried Tofu Braised in Savory Sauce
Crispy Outside, Tender Inside! Tofu Braised in a Rich, Flavorful Sauce
Got some tofu sitting in the fridge and wondering what to make? Try this incredibly satisfying pan-fried tofu, braised in a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect as a side for rice or even as a delightful snack.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Tofu (firm or frying tofu recommended)
- 1/4 Onion
- 1/4 Scallion (green onion)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Red Chili (for garnish, adjust spiciness)
Braising Sauce- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil (for frying tofu)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for enhanced flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil (for frying tofu)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for enhanced flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
We’re making our star dish today: ‘Dubu Jorim’ (Braised Tofu)! I’ve prepared one block of tofu. To make it visually appealing and add more flavor, I’ve also prepared scallions and onions, along with a red chili for a touch of color. If you prefer less spicy food, feel free to omit the red chili.
Step 2
Adding a little sugar to the tofu braise really brings out the savory flavors, making it much more delicious. You can adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
Step 3
Place the tofu on paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent oil splattering when frying and ensures the tofu stays firm, preventing it from breaking apart.
Step 4
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Carefully place the tofu in the pan. Frying slowly over medium heat will prevent it from sticking.
Step 5
Fry the tofu, flipping it over to brown both sides until golden and appealing. A slightly crispy exterior will enhance the texture beautifully.
Step 6
Let’s prepare the vegetables for the sauce. Finely chop the scallions. Thinly slice the red chili and onion. Slicing them not too thickly will ensure they cook evenly.
Step 7
Now, let’s make the delicious braising sauce! In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, gochugaru, minced garlic, and black pepper. Whisk well. Adding 2 tablespoons of sesame oil will add a wonderful nutty aroma and deepen the flavor! (Tip: Adjust the sugar amount to achieve your desired level of sweetness.)
Step 8
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce evenly over the nicely fried tofu. This step allows the sauce to deeply penetrate the tofu, creating a richer flavor.
Step 9
Flip the tofu over. Lightly frying the other side allows the sauce and oil to meld together, creating an even more glossy and delicious braised tofu.
Step 10
Add the prepared vegetables (scallions, red chili, onion) to the remaining sauce and mix well. This way, the natural sweetness of the vegetables will blend with the sauce for a more complex flavor profile.
Step 11
Generously spread the remaining sauce mixture, including the vegetables, over the tofu that is now on the other side. The colorful vegetables make the dish look even more appetizing!
Step 12
Cover with a lid and let it simmer gently over low heat for a short while. Once the sauce has evenly coated the tofu, your delicious Dubu Jorim is ready!
Step 13
Serve it over warm rice. One bite of this sweet and savory braised tofu and you won’t be able to stop! It’s truly irresistible.
Step 14
Enjoy this healthy and nutritious dish made with tofu. Eat plenty of it to stay healthy!
