Savory Braised Tofu: The Quintessential Side Dish
Easy and Delicious Braised Tofu Recipe
Introducing braised tofu, a popular and simple side dish made with affordable ingredients. This dish features a slightly firm exterior and a soft, tender interior, infused with a savory sauce that’s incredibly satisfying with a bowl of rice. It’s a versatile dish that can be prepared quickly, perfect for busy days. Let’s make this comforting staple right now!
Main Ingredients
- 1 block (approx. 300g) firm tofu
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 stalk green onion
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide syrup (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide syrup (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, press the tofu block with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5-2 cm thick. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the tofu pieces on both sides until golden brown. This step prevents the tofu from breaking apart easily and adds a delightful nutty flavor.
Step 2
Carefully manage the heat to prevent burning, and ensure both sides of the tofu are evenly browned. Once the tofu pieces have a slightly firm texture and a golden hue, set them aside on a plate. Pan-frying helps to reduce the tofu’s moisture content, allowing it to absorb the sauce better and achieve a superior texture.
Step 3
While the tofu is frying, let’s prepare the delicious sauce. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, red pepper flakes, corn syrup (or oligosaccharide syrup), minced garlic, and cooking wine. Whisk everything together until well combined. Preparing the sauce in advance streamlines the cooking process and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4
Slice the onion thinly and cut the green onion diagonally. Arrange the pan-fried tofu in a skillet or pot. Top the tofu with the sliced onions and green onions. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the tofu and vegetables. Add about 1/4 cup (50ml) of water to prevent the sauce from becoming too concentrated during simmering.
Step 5
Now, simmer the dish over medium-low heat. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has slightly reduced. Spoon some of the braising liquid over the tofu occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution. Once the sauce has thickened and coated the ingredients with a glossy sheen, turn off the heat. You can stir in sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds at this point for extra flavor.
Step 6
Transfer the beautifully braised tofu to a serving container. Serve hot with steamed rice for a satisfying meal. Leftover braised tofu can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed cold; it also makes an excellent lunchbox side dish.
