Pan-Seared Tofu Braised in Soy Sauce with Caramelized Onions
Master Kim Soo-mi’s Style Tofu Braise with Sautéed Onions
A humble yet deeply flavorful side dish that brings back nostalgic memories! This recipe elevates everyday tofu into a comforting and delicious staple. We’ll pan-sear the tofu until golden brown and tender, then braise it in a savory soy sauce mixture, topped generously with sweet, caramelized onions. Even beginner cooks can easily follow this detailed guide inspired by Chef Kim Soo-mi.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1 medium Onion
Braising Sauce Ingredients- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Korean ‘Yangjo’ soy sauce preferred)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Chopped Scallions or Green Onions (white and green parts)
- 1 Korean Green Chili Pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 Red Chili Pepper (for color)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Water
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- Cooking Oil (for pan-searing)
- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Korean ‘Yangjo’ soy sauce preferred)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Chopped Scallions or Green Onions (white and green parts)
- 1 Korean Green Chili Pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 Red Chili Pepper (for color)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Water
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- Cooking Oil (for pan-searing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Tofu: Press the block of tofu using paper towels to remove excess water. Slice it into thick pieces, about 1.5 cm (or about 0.6 inches) thick. Slicing it thickly helps prevent it from breaking apart during cooking and improves the texture.
Step 2
Pan-Sear the Tofu: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Once hot, carefully place the sliced tofu pieces in the pan. Pan-sear them until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. This step adds a wonderful texture and prevents sogginess. Remove the seared tofu and set aside.
Step 3
Sauté the Onions: In the same pan (add a little more oil if needed), add the thinly sliced onion. Sauté over medium heat until the onions become translucent and slightly softened. The sweetness from the cooked onions will enhance the overall flavor of the braised tofu.
Step 4
Make the Braising Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped scallions (or green onions), finely chopped Korean green chili pepper (if using), red chili pepper, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), water, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until well combined. (Note: While Chef Kim Soo-mi’s original recipe might omit sesame seeds here, we’re adding them for extra nutty flavor.)
Step 5
Braise the Tofu: Arrange the pan-seared tofu pieces neatly in the pan. Pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over the tofu. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the tofu to absorb the flavorful sauce. If the sauce reduces too much, you can add a little more water.
Step 6
Serve: Once the tofu has absorbed the sauce and is tender, turn off the heat. Do not flip the tofu at this stage. Carefully top the braised tofu with the sautéed onions. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a final touch. Enjoy this comforting and delicious dish!
