Spicy and Savory Braised Tofu Recipe
Guaranteed Delicious! How to Make a Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu That’s Sure to Satisfy
Introducing a guaranteed delicious recipe for braised tofu that will make your dinner table special. The combination of chewy outside and soft inside tofu with a rich, savory sauce is exquisite. This addictive braised tofu will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time. Let’s make it right now!
Key Ingredients for Braised Tofu
- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 500g)
- 150g ground pork or thinly sliced pork belly
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 large green onion (scallion)
- 2 Korean chili peppers (for spiciness, optional)
- 1 red chili pepper (for color and sweetness)
- 2 cups anchovy broth (or water)
Pork Marinade
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- A pinch of black pepper
Flavorful Braising Sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp Cheongyang gochugaru (extra spicy Korean chili powder, optional)
- 5 Tbsp seasoned soy sauce (mat-ganjang)
- 3 Tbsp regular soy sauce (jin-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp rice wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- A pinch of black pepper
Flavorful Braising Sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp Cheongyang gochugaru (extra spicy Korean chili powder, optional)
- 5 Tbsp seasoned soy sauce (mat-ganjang)
- 3 Tbsp regular soy sauce (jin-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp rice wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables. Slice the onion thinly. Cut the green onion and chili peppers diagonally into bite-sized pieces. If using pork belly or thinly sliced pork, cut it into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 cm). If using ground pork, you can use it as is.
Step 2
Drain excess water from the tofu block. Cut it into thick, bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Cutting them thick will help prevent them from breaking apart during cooking.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine the pork with the marinade ingredients: 1 tsp sugar, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate while you prepare the vegetables and sauce. Marinating will make the pork more tender.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the braising sauce. In a separate bowl, combine 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp Cheongyang gochugaru (if using), 5 Tbsp mat-ganjang, 3 Tbsp jin-ganjang, 1 Tbsp mirin, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Mix these ingredients well. Add 1/2 cup of the anchovy broth to the sauce and stir until it’s smoothly combined.
Step 5
Time to start braising! In a wide pot or pan, spread the sliced onions evenly on the bottom. Arrange the tofu pieces attractively over the onions. Then, evenly distribute the marinated pork on top of the tofu.
Step 6
Pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over the tofu and pork. Carefully pour the remaining 1.5 cups of anchovy broth around the edges of the pot. The broth should come up to about half the height of the ingredients.
Step 7
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors. Spooning some of the sauce over the tofu occasionally will enhance the taste.
Step 8
When the sauce has slightly reduced to a thick, gravy-like consistency, add the sliced green onions and chili peppers (both red and green) for garnish and flavor. Simmer for another minute or two until the flavors meld together. Your delicious braised tofu is now ready! Enjoy it with a hot bowl of rice.
