Savory and Sweet Braised Tofu with Pork Belly Flakes
How to Make Braised Tofu with Pork Belly using Baek Jong-won’s Recipe
A simple and delicious dinner option made with Baek Jong-won’s recipe! Introducing our Pork Belly Flake and Braised Tofu.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300g, recommended for pan-frying or stew)
- 180g Pork Belly Flakes (thinly sliced pork belly)
- 1 stalk Green Onion (approx. 15cm long)
- 1/2 medium Onion
- 200ml Water or Rice Water
Braising Sauce- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (adjust up to 3 Tbsp based on preference)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust for spiciness)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (adjust up to 3 Tbsp based on preference)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust for spiciness)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the braising sauce, which is the key to delicious braised tofu. In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of anchovy sauce, 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. (The original recipe calls for 3 Tbsp of soy sauce, but if you prefer less saltiness, start with 2 Tbsp and adjust later to your taste.)
Step 2
Pour 200ml of water or rice water into the prepared sauce and mix well with a spoon. Using rice water will add a richer, more savory depth to the broth.
Step 3
It’s time to prepare the vegetables. Slice the green onion diagonally about 0.5cm thick. Slice the onion into 0.5cm thick strips. Cut the tofu into 1.5-2cm thick pieces; this thickness will help prevent it from breaking apart too much during cooking.
Step 4
In a wide pot or pan, arrange the pork belly flakes in a single layer without overlapping. If the pork belly flakes are too long, you can cut them into bite-sized pieces with scissors for easier eating.
Step 5
Place the sliced tofu pieces evenly on top of the arranged pork belly flakes. It’s okay if the tofu pieces overlap slightly.
Step 6
Arrange the diagonally sliced green onions and julienned onions attractively over the tofu.
Step 7
Now, carefully pour the prepared braising sauce water over the ingredients in the pot, ensuring it coats everything evenly. It’s important that all ingredients are submerged in the sauce. (Tip: Mixing the sauce ingredients directly in the pot can easily cause the tofu to break. It’s safer to mix the sauce with water beforehand and pour it in all at once.)
Step 8
Finally, drizzle 2 tablespoons of perilla oil around the edges of the pot. This enhances the nutty aroma of the perilla oil. Now, cover the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Step 9
Once the sauce starts to boil vigorously, immediately reduce the heat to medium. Remove the lid and continue to cook, ladling the sauce over the ingredients repeatedly with a spoon or ladle. This process allows the sauce to penetrate deeply into the ingredients, creating a richer braised dish. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 10
When the sauce has reduced to a desired consistency and the flavors have well infused into all the ingredients, it’s time to taste and adjust. If it’s not salty enough, add a little more anchovy sauce to enhance the savory depth, which is better than adding more soy sauce.
Step 11
Sprinkle some sesame seeds over the finished Pork Belly Flake and Braised Tofu for a visually appealing presentation. Enjoy this delicious dish with a bowl of warm rice!
