Quick & Easy Soft Tofu Jang (Side Dish)
Super Simple Soft Tofu Jang Recipe: The Ultimate Rice Thief!
I bought two packs of soft tofu on sale and decided to make something special with the second one. This ‘Soft Tofu Jang’ requires no cooking and is incredibly easy to make, yet tastes so delicious that it’s quickly become a new favorite rice accompaniment. Its savory, slightly sweet, and spicy profile pairs perfectly with rice, making it a true ‘rice thief’! Perfect for busy days when you need a quick and flavorful side dish.
Main Ingredients- 1 pack Soft Tofu
- 1 stalk Scallion (Green Onion)
- 2 Cheongyang Peppers (Korean Red Chili Peppers)
Seasoning Ingredients- 100ml Soy Sauce (approx. 1/2 cup)
- 100ml Water (approx. 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesil Cheong)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 100ml Soy Sauce (approx. 1/2 cup)
- 100ml Water (approx. 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesil Cheong)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the aromatics that will enhance the flavor of your soft tofu jang. Finely chop the scallion, using both the white and green parts. Mince the Cheongyang peppers; you can remove the seeds if you prefer less spice, or leave them in for extra heat.
Step 2
Carefully transfer the soft tofu into an airtight container. Soft tofu can break easily, so it’s best to gently pour it from its packaging directly into the container. You can do this by carefully cutting the tofu pack in half and then sliding the tofu out.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the special sauce that gives the Tofu Jang its delicious flavor. Measure out 100ml of soy sauce and 100ml of water accurately. Add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of plum extract for a touch of sweetness and depth, and 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Whisk or stir well until all the seasoning ingredients are thoroughly combined to create your flavorful sauce.
Step 4
Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture evenly over the soft tofu in the container. This step is crucial for the sauce to penetrate the tofu. Sprinkle the chopped scallions generously over the sauce-covered tofu.
Step 5
The key here is to mix without breaking the tofu too much. Use a spatula to gently cut through the tofu, mixing it with the sauce and scallions. Avoid stirring vigorously; a gentle cutting motion will help combine the ingredients while maintaining some texture.
Step 6
Add the final touches for aroma and visual appeal. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds all over the mixture for a nutty flavor, and scatter the minced Cheongyang peppers on top for a hint of spice and color. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preference.
Step 7
Seal the airtight container tightly and place it in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least half a day, or preferably a full day. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer and more delicious Soft Tofu Jang. The longer it marinates, the better it tastes!
Step 8
After about 24 hours of marinating, take the flavorful Soft Tofu Jang out of the refrigerator. It’s absolutely delicious served over a bowl of warm rice, mixed in. For an extra treat, wrap it in crispy Gim (seaweed) – it’s a fantastic combination! Enjoy this delightful rice accompaniment.
