Delicious Spicy Braised Tofu Recipe
The Best Side Dish! How to Make Spicy and Savory Braised Tofu
Is there no main dish that appeals to you today? Don’t worry! With just one block of tofu, you can create a delicious side dish that rivals any main course. Especially, when you break the yolk of a soft-boiled egg and mix it with the warm tofu, it becomes a perfect meal that requires no other side dishes! It’s a true rice thief! 🙂
Main Ingredients- 1 block Tofu (500g)
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 Onion
- 30g Carrot
- 120ml Water
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil
- Plenty of Cooking Oil
Tofu Seasoning- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Pepper
Spicy Sauce- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- Pinch of Pepper
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Pepper
Spicy Sauce- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- Pinch of Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare one block of tofu (500g). Cut it into bite-sized squares, about 2.5cm x 2.5cm, being careful not to break it. This size is perfect for enjoying.
Step 2
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the cut tofu to season it. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the tofu, making it much tastier. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Step 3
Gently pat the surface of the tofu dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is important to prevent oil splattering when frying and to achieve a crispier texture.
Step 4
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu. Fry it until all sides are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. This frying process enhances the tofu’s texture and overall flavor.
Step 5
Once the tofu is nicely browned, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This ensures a cleaner, less greasy taste.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the delicious spicy sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 4 Tbsp soy sauce, and a pinch of pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Step 7
Peel and thinly julienne half an onion. Wash and thinly julienne 30g of carrot. These vegetables will add sweetness and depth of flavor as they braise with the tofu.
Step 8
Prepare a pot or deep pan. Place a layer of the fried tofu at the bottom, followed by the julienned onion and carrot. Spoon the prepared sauce evenly over the vegetables. Repeat this layering process once more: tofu, then onion and carrot, then sauce.
Step 9
Pour 120ml of water over the layered ingredients. For an extra boost of umami, you can substitute water with anchovy broth or dissolve one coin-shaped broth cube. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Step 10
When the sauce has slightly reduced, create a small well in the center and carefully crack in 2 eggs. Immediately cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently until the egg whites are just set, leaving the yolks soft and runny. This soft-boiled yolk is a key to the dish!
Step 11
Once the egg whites are cooked, turn off the heat. Drizzle 1 Tbsp of perilla oil over the top to finish. The nutty aroma of the perilla oil will further enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 12
And there you have it! Your delicious spicy braised tofu is ready. Serve it over hot rice and mix it all together for an incredibly satisfying meal! 🙂
