Savory Braised Tofu for the Whole Family
The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish: Easy and Flavorful Braised Tofu Recipe
Here’s a beloved Korean home-style side dish, braised tofu (Dubu Jorim)! While it’s a staple that can be made effortlessly, we often crave a slight variation to keep things interesting. This recipe incorporates fermented shrimp paste (saeujeot) for an extra layer of umami depth. It’s simple yet yields a deeply satisfying flavor that will surely impress your family.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 1/4 Onion (approx. 50g)
Seasoning Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (approx. 45ml)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar or Corn Syrup/Oligosaccharide (approx. 30ml)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, approx. 20g)
- 1/2 Tbsp Fermented Shrimp Paste (minced, approx. 7-10g)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil (approx. 7ml)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds or Sesame Paste (approx. 5g)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Scallion (approx. 10g)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (approx. 5g)
- 1/2 cup Water (approx. 100ml)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (approx. 45ml)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar or Corn Syrup/Oligosaccharide (approx. 30ml)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, approx. 20g)
- 1/2 Tbsp Fermented Shrimp Paste (minced, approx. 7-10g)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil (approx. 7ml)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds or Sesame Paste (approx. 5g)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Scallion (approx. 10g)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (approx. 5g)
- 1/2 cup Water (approx. 100ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Slice the tofu into thick pieces, about 1.5 to 2cm thick. Lightly grease a pan with cooking oil and heat it over medium-low heat. Pan-fry the tofu slices on both sides until they are golden brown and slightly firm. This step prevents the tofu from breaking apart, helps it hold its shape beautifully, and improves its texture. It also allows the sauce to penetrate better for a richer flavor.
Step 2
While the tofu is frying, prepare the seasoning sauce. In a separate bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients except for the water. Mix the soy sauce, sugar (or corn syrup/oligosaccharide), gochugaru, minced fermented shrimp paste, sesame oil, sesame seeds, minced scallion, and minced garlic. Stir well until everything is evenly incorporated. Mincing the fermented shrimp paste helps to distribute its umami flavor more effectively.
Step 3
Arrange the pan-fried tofu slices neatly in a pot or deep pan. Place the thinly sliced onion on top of the tofu. Then, carefully spoon or pour the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over the tofu and onions, layering it as you go. This ensures the sauce coats all the ingredients.
Step 4
Pour the 1/2 cup of water into the bowl that was used for the sauce. Swirl it around to capture any remaining seasoning from the bowl, then carefully add this water to the pot, pouring it along the sides. This ensures no sauce is wasted and helps the sauce distribute evenly.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, occasionally lift the lid and tilt the pot. Use a spoon to scoop up the sauce from the bottom and ladle it over the tofu slices. This basting process allows the sauce to fully permeate the tofu, resulting in a moist and deeply flavorful dish. Be sure to monitor the heat to prevent burning.
Step 6
The braised tofu is ready when the tofu is thoroughly moistened with the sauce, and the sauce has thickened slightly. Turn off the heat. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the top. Serve this delicious braised tofu hot with a bowl of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal!
