Spicy and Savory Braised Tofu: Easy Recipe
Master the Art of Spicy and Mild Braised Tofu (feat. Health Benefits of Tofu!)
For centuries, Koreans have enjoyed tofu in various delicious ways. Among them, here’s a staple dish that’s a guaranteed hit on any table and incredibly easy for beginners to master: Spicy and Savory Braised Tofu! This recipe is perfect for creating a comforting and flavorful meal.^^
Main Ingredients- 1 block Tofu (approx. 300-500g)
- 1/2 Onion
- 200ml Water
- Pinch of Salt
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- Sesame Seeds for garnish
Sauce Ingredients- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2/3 Tbsp Saeujeot (fermented shrimp) or Fish Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2/3 Tbsp Saeujeot (fermented shrimp) or Fish Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the tofu and onion. Cut the tofu into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 cm thick, and then in half lengthwise. Slice the onion thinly into strips.
Step 2
Draining the tofu is a crucial step for a great texture! Arrange the sliced tofu pieces on a tray or cutting board lined with paper towels. Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of salt evenly over the tofu. This helps to draw out excess moisture, making the tofu firmer and more receptive to absorbing flavors.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce that will define the flavor of your braised tofu. In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 2/3 Tbsp saeujeot or fish sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp mirin. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon until well combined.
Step 4
It’s time to pan-fry the tofu for better texture. Heat about 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Gently place the drained tofu slices into the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. This step prevents the tofu from breaking apart during braising and gives it a lovely appearance.
Step 5
In a pot or a deep pan, spread the thinly sliced onions evenly across the bottom. Next, arrange the pan-fried tofu pieces neatly on top of the onions. 5-2) Finally, pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the tofu. Carefully pour about 200ml of water around the edges of the pot. This method ensures the sauce doesn’t burn and helps it seep into the tofu gradually.
Step 6
With all the ingredients in place, it’s time to let the magic happen! Cover the pot with a lid and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. For even better flavor distribution, you can spoon some of the braising liquid over the tofu a few times during simmering. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more water. Just before serving, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the top for a final touch of aroma and visual appeal. Your delicious Spicy and Savory Braised Tofu is now ready to be enjoyed!^^
