Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu Recipe
A Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish! Spicy, Sweet, and Chewy Braised Tofu Recipe
This spicy, sweet, and chewy braised tofu is a perfect side dish that everyone will love! Here’s how to make it simple and delicious.
Main Ingredients
- 500g firm tofu (for pan-frying or stew)
- 1 Cheongyang pepper (Korean red chili pepper)
- 1 Red chili pepper (for color)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Cornstarch or potato starch, as needed (for coating tofu)
Braising Sauce Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar or white sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar or white sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the 500g block of firm tofu into large pieces, about 2-3 cm thick. Gently press the tofu with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help prevent oil splattering when frying and make it crispier. Finely mince the Cheongyang pepper and red chili pepper.
Step 2
Let’s make the delicious braising sauce that determines the taste of the tofu dish. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp of sugar (or granulated sugar), 1 Tbsp of corn syrup, and 3 Tbsp of soy sauce. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 3
Before frying the tofu, spread the sliced tofu on a plate and coat it evenly with starch. Lightly dusting the tofu with starch using a sieve will prevent it from sticking to the pan and create a crispier, chewier texture. Brush off any excess starch.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Pan-fry the starch-coated tofu on each side until golden brown. Flip the tofu pieces and fry until both sides are nicely browned. This frying step helps the tofu maintain its shape, keeping it crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Step 5
Remove the pan-fried tofu to a plate temporarily. If there’s too much oil in the pan, drain some of it. Then, evenly pour the prepared braising sauce over the tofu. Ensure the sauce coats the tofu well.
Step 6
Now, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly and coats the tofu. Once the sauce has reduced a bit, sprinkle the minced Cheongyang pepper, red chili pepper, and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic over the tofu. Mix them with the sauce as it cooks.
Step 7
Carefully flip the tofu pieces to allow the other side to absorb the sauce. Add the remaining chili peppers and minced garlic, and continue to simmer. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the sauce from burning.
Step 8
Once the braised tofu is moist and the sauce has reduced to a glaze, flip it one more time to lightly brown and finish cooking. Turn off the heat, plate the braised tofu attractively, and sprinkle 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds on top for a nutty aroma. Your delicious braised tofu is ready!
Step 9
If you prefer a spicier dish, keep the Cheongyang peppers as they are. For a milder flavor, especially for children, you can omit the Cheongyang peppers or reduce the amount. You can also add a little gochujang (Korean chili paste) or gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for extra spice if desired.
