Spicy and Sweet Gochujang Tofu Simmer: The Ultimate Side Dish
Easy Homemade Gochujang Tofu Stew Recipe | Delicious Pan-Fried Tofu Dish for Rice
Missing the famous tofu duruchigi from Daejeon? This recipe for ‘Gochujang Tofu Simmer’ is a simple yet delicious way to recreate that flavor at home! Instead of using a clear broth, we use plain water and enhance the savory depth with tuna extract (chamchi aekjeot), making it incredibly flavorful. Perfect as a hearty side dish to accompany your rice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Main Ingredients- 800g Tofu (adjust quantity according to family size)
- 1/4 Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 stalk Green Onion (cut diagonally)
- 4 Tbsp Cooking Oil
Spicy & Sweet Sauce Ingredients- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Tuna Extract (for enhanced savory flavor!)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust spiciness)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 150ml Water
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for finishing)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Tuna Extract (for enhanced savory flavor!)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust spiciness)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 150ml Water
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for finishing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients needed for the dish. The recipe uses 800g of tofu as a guideline, but feel free to adjust the tofu quantity based on your family’s preference. Accordingly, modify the amount of sauce ingredients as well.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients except for the sesame oil: soy sauce, tuna extract, gochujang, gochugaru, sugar, and water. Mix them thoroughly to create a delicious sauce without any lumps.
Step 3
Thinly slice the onion and cut the green onion diagonally. Add these prepared vegetables to the sauce and mix well, allowing the vegetables to absorb the flavors.
Step 4
Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm thick. Lightly sprinkle salt over the cut tofu to season it; this will enhance the tofu’s flavor.
Step 5
Gently pat the surface of the tofu dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth. Removing excess moisture prevents oil splattering when frying and helps the tofu achieve a crispier texture.
Step 6
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add about 4 tablespoons of cooking oil. Carefully place the dried tofu pieces in a single layer.
Step 7
Pan-fry the tofu over medium-low heat, turning occasionally, until both sides are golden brown and slightly crisp. This browning step significantly improves both the texture and flavor of the tofu.
Step 8
Once the tofu is nicely browned, pour the prepared spicy and sweet sauce evenly over the tofu. Ensure a generous amount of sauce coats the tofu pieces.
Step 9
Using a ladle, gently spoon the sauce over the tofu pieces to help the flavor penetrate evenly. This basting process ensures the tofu is well-seasoned throughout.
Step 10
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. During this time, occasionally open the lid and spoon the simmering sauce over the tofu to ensure even seasoning.
Step 11
After 15 minutes, remove the lid. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a final touch of aroma and flavor. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds to complete this delicious gochujang tofu simmer!
Step 12
Your delicious spicy and sweet gochujang tofu simmer is ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
