Savory Soy Sauce Braised Tofu (Baek Jong-won Style)
Make Baek Jong-won’s Soy Sauce Braised Tofu: A Delicious Side Dish with Perilla Oil (Dubu Jjigae Style)
We’ll make a savory and soft braised tofu dish that’s perfect with rice.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block of firm tofu (approx. 300g)
- Cooking oil (for pan-frying tofu)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s make a simple yet incredibly delicious braised tofu dish that’s a true ‘rice thief’! This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a comforting, flavorful side dish for your meals.
Step 2
First, prepare your block of firm tofu. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Gently press the tofu pieces between paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent oil splattering and to help the tofu achieve a nice golden crust. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the tofu slices in the pan and pan-fry them until they are golden brown on both sides. Frying the tofu beforehand not only prevents it from falling apart during braising but also adds a delightful nutty flavor and a firmer texture.
Step 3
Now, let’s mix the savory seasoning sauce. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes (gochugaru), a pinch of sugar (feel free to adjust sweetness to your preference – I recommend starting with less and adding more after tasting), and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. For an extra kick of spice, add 2 finely chopped Korean green chilies to the sauce. You can also add about a handful of chopped green onions to the sauce mixture for added flavor. Alternatively, you can reserve some chopped green onions to use as a garnish later.
Step 4
If you’re aiming for a ‘jjigae’ (stew-like) consistency, it’s best to make a slightly generous amount of sauce. This ensures that the tofu absorbs the flavors well as it simmers and creates a nice, thick sauce that’s perfect for mixing with rice.
Step 5
Arrange the pan-fried tofu slices neatly in a pot or a deep pan. Pour the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over the tofu. Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors. Gently flip the tofu pieces occasionally to ensure even coating and prevent sticking, being careful not to break them. Once the sauce has thickened slightly and coated the tofu beautifully, it’s time for the star ingredient: 1 tablespoon of perilla oil (deulgireum). Drizzle it over the tofu and gently swirl the pan to distribute. The aromatic and nutty flavor of perilla oil will elevate the dish to a new level, making it incredibly rich and satisfying.
Step 6
Turn off the heat. Your incredibly delicious Baek Jong-won style braised tofu is now ready! Transfer it to a serving dish. This dish is perfect served warm over a bowl of steamed rice, creating a delightful meal that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying.
