Savory Miso Braised Tofu
So Delicious You’ll Want to Eat It Straight from the Pot: Miso Braised Tofu Recipe
Tofu is a beloved ingredient for people of all ages! While often enjoyed in stews or pan-fried, today I’m excited to share a special recipe for braised tofu using savory miso paste. It offers a distinct charm compared to the spicy red-braised tofu, making it a perfect rice thief! It’s wonderful as a unique dish during hot weather when appetites are low, and it makes for a satisfying breakfast when prepared simply. Forget pan-frying; try this incredibly easy one-pot braised dish and fall in love with the rich, savory flavor of miso-braised tofu!
Main Ingredients- 1 block (approx. 300g) firm tofu
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green chili pepper, finely chopped
- 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped
- A small bunch of chives or green onions, finely chopped
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup (approx. 100ml) water (for braising)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp miso paste (homemade miso base)
- 1.5 Tbsp oligodang (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2/3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional, adjust for spice)
- 3 Tbsp water (using a tablespoon)
- 1 Tbsp miso paste (homemade miso base)
- 1.5 Tbsp oligodang (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2/3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional, adjust for spice)
- 3 Tbsp water (using a tablespoon)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the tofu. Cut 1 block of tofu into pieces about 1cm thick or slightly thicker. Slicing it too thinly can cause it to break apart easily during cooking and reduce the enjoyment of its texture. Cutting it thicker is a helpful tip.
Step 2
Next, prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the onion. Remove the seeds from the green and red chili peppers and finely chop them. Finely chop the chives or green onions for added freshness. You can also use regular green onions if you prefer.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning! In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp miso paste, 1.5 Tbsp oligodang, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2/3 Tbsp gochugaru (adjust to your preference for spiciness), and 3 Tbsp water. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed. If you are using store-bought miso paste instead of homemade, you might want to slightly adjust the amount based on its saltiness and flavor. Since miso paste varies from household to household, taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Step 4
Arrange the sliced tofu neatly in a pot. Spoon the prepared seasoning mixture evenly over the tofu. Rinse out the seasoning bowl by adding 1/2 cup (approx. 100ml) of water, mixing it well, and pouring it around the edges of the pot. Start by bringing it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat once it boils, and let it simmer gently until the tofu absorbs the flavors.
Step 5
While the tofu is simmering, use a spoon to ladle some of the liquid over the tofu periodically. This helps the seasoning penetrate the tofu evenly, making it more flavorful. Once the tofu is almost done simmering, arrange the sliced onion, chili peppers, and chives on top. Instead of cooking these vegetables separately, allowing them to steam briefly in the residual heat will keep them crisp and add a wonderful texture. The combination of the soft, braised tofu and the crunchy vegetables is simply delightful.
Step 6
Your delicious miso-braised tofu is ready, made without any frying! You’ll be pleasantly surprised by its unexpectedly deep and savory flavor. This dish is an excellent side for rice that will have you finishing your entire bowl in no time. Enjoy a simple yet incredibly tasty meal!
