Soy Sauce Braised Tofu: A Delicious & Savory Dish
Tofu Jorim: The Ultimate Rice Companion, Packed with Flavor!
Discover the magic of this savory and slightly spicy braised tofu, a dish that truly elevates your meal! Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this a healthy and satisfying side dish. Easy to prepare, this popular Korean classic is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s the ultimate ‘rice thief’!
Main Ingredients- 600g firm tofu (about 1.5 blocks)
Braising Sauce- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp chicken stock (or 3 Tbsp water)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp mirin (or cooking sake)
- 1 tsp Dasida (or any umami seasoning)
- 2 Tbsp coarse gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sliced green onions
- A little ginger juice (or a tiny pinch of grated ginger)
- A pinch of black pepper
- A little sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp chicken stock (or 3 Tbsp water)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp mirin (or cooking sake)
- 1 tsp Dasida (or any umami seasoning)
- 2 Tbsp coarse gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sliced green onions
- A little ginger juice (or a tiny pinch of grated ginger)
- A pinch of black pepper
- A little sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, pat the tofu dry with paper towels and cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 cm thick. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Carefully place the tofu pieces in the pan and pan-fry them until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Searing the tofu not only enhances its nutty flavor but also helps it hold its shape better during braising.
Step 2
While the tofu is searing, let’s prepare the delicious braising sauce. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of chicken stock (you can substitute with 3 tablespoons of water if you don’t have chicken stock), 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of mirin, 1 teaspoon of Dasida, 2 tablespoons of coarse gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of sliced green onions, a little ginger juice, and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. Ensuring the sauce ingredients are evenly mixed is key to a balanced flavor.
Step 3
Once the tofu is nicely browned, gently push the pieces to one side of the pan. Pour the prepared braising sauce into the empty side of the pan. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, carefully spoon the sauce over the tofu pieces, coating them evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the tofu to absorb the delicious sauce.
Step 4
Continue to braise the tofu, spooning the sauce over it periodically and flipping the pieces to ensure even cooking and coating. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened and the tofu is beautifully glazed. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning, and you can gently shake the pan or use a spatula to carefully turn the tofu pieces.
Step 5
When the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency and the tofu has a lovely sheen, turn off the heat. Drizzle a little sesame oil over the dish for an extra layer of aroma and flavor. Transfer the perfectly braised tofu to a serving plate. This delicious Korean braised tofu is best enjoyed hot with a bowl of steamed rice!
