Spicy and Sweet Tofu Simmered in Sauce (Dubu Jorim)
What to Eat Today? Let’s Make Shin Dong-yeop’s Famous Tofu Jorim!
A simple and easy-to-follow recipe for Shin Dong-yeop’s delicious Tofu Jorim. This dish is perfect for a quick meal and boasts a delightful balance of savory tofu and a sweet, spicy sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with a bowl of rice!
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (for pan-frying)
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Onion
- 1 Green Onion (Scallion)
Sauce Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (Cheongyang)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (savory/dark)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (optional)
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds
- A pinch of Black Pepper (optional)
- 150-200ml Water
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (Cheongyang)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (savory/dark)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (optional)
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds
- A pinch of Black Pepper (optional)
- 150-200ml Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the firm tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm thick. Pat the tofu dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly sprinkle salt over the tofu pieces; this will help season the tofu and make it slightly firmer, which prevents it from breaking apart during cooking.
Step 2
While the tofu is drying, let’s make the sauce. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp minced garlic and 2 finely chopped Korean green chilies (use more if you prefer it spicier). Add 2 Tbsp regular soy sauce, 1 Tbsp savory soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru, and 0.5 Tbsp sugar. For extra flavor, you can add 1 Tbsp sesame oil, sesame seeds, and a pinch of black pepper. Pour in about 150-200ml of water and mix well to create the sauce. Slice the onion and chop the green onion and green chilies finely. Set aside.
Step 3
Heat a little oil in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Pan-fry the tofu pieces until they are lightly golden brown on both sides. Once lightly browned, carefully arrange the tofu in a single layer at the bottom of a pot or a deep pan.
Step 4
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the tofu. Arrange the sliced onions, green onions, and chilies on top. The key is to simmer gently so the sauce seeps into the tofu without becoming too watery. Cover the pot and simmer over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5
Once the sauce starts to bubble, reduce the heat slightly. Keep an eye on the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t reduce too much, and adjust to your desired consistency.
Step 6
Finally, carefully crack the 2 eggs into the center of the pot. Let them cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the egg yolks are runny (soft-boiled), and your delicious Tofu Jorim is ready! For a beautiful presentation, you can garnish with fresh perilla leaves or red chili slices. Serve hot with a bowl of steamed rice!
