Spicy Braised Tofu: The Ultimate Rice-Stealing Side Dish
Spicy and Tender Braised Tofu Recipe: A Simple Tofu Side Dish That Will Make You Gobble Down Rice
When your appetite is lagging, what could be a better rice-stealing side dish than this? The tender braised tofu soaked in a savory and slightly spicy sauce will make it impossible to stop eating. You can easily finish a bowl of rice with just this dish, no other side dishes needed! It’s incredibly simple to make, so with just one block of tofu, you can create a wonderful meal anytime. Imagine the taste of mixing rice with its rich, simmering sauce – it’s enough to make your mouth water! Enjoy a delicious meal by cooking this up warm right now.
Main Ingredients- Tofu 300g
- Shiitake Mushroom 1
- Green Onion 1 stalk
- Cheongyang Pepper 1
Seasoning Ingredients- Salted Shrimp Paste 1 Tbsp (mostly solids)
- Soy Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) 1.5 Tbsp
- Sugar 0.5 Tbsp
- Water 1 cup (approx. 200ml)
- Ginger Powder a pinch
- Perilla Oil 1 Tbsp
- Salted Shrimp Paste 1 Tbsp (mostly solids)
- Soy Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) 1.5 Tbsp
- Sugar 0.5 Tbsp
- Water 1 cup (approx. 200ml)
- Ginger Powder a pinch
- Perilla Oil 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently rinse the tofu under running water. Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces (squares or triangles) about 1.5-2cm thick. Handle the tofu carefully to prevent it from breaking apart.
Step 2
Prepare a pan or pot for cooking. Ideally, braised tofu is cooked in a wide pan with the tofu laid out in a single layer. However, if that’s not feasible, you can layer the tofu two high in a slightly larger pot. Arrange the tofu neatly.
Step 3
Thinly slice the shiitake mushroom, which adds a chewy texture and umami, and arrange it evenly over the tofu. Then, pour in 1 cup of water (approx. 200ml). The amount of water is important for adjusting the sauce consistency; feel free to add more or less according to your preference.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the seasonings. You can mix the sauce ingredients beforehand, but for convenience, we’ll add them directly to the pan. First, add 0.5 Tbsp of sugar and 1.5 Tbsp of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on how spicy you like it.
Step 5
Add 1 Tbsp of soy sauce for the main flavor, and 1 Tbsp of salted shrimp paste to enhance the savory and refreshing taste. It’s best to use the solid parts of the shrimp paste to ensure the seasoning blends well.
Step 6
Add a pinch of ginger powder to remove any unwanted odors and add flavor. Finely chop the green onion. If you enjoy a spicier taste, finely mince 1 Cheongyang pepper, removing the seeds first. Sprinkle the prepared green onion and Cheongyang pepper evenly over the tofu and mushrooms.
Step 7
Turn on the heat and start simmering over medium-low heat. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently until the sauce is reduced to about half of its original volume, allowing the flavors to meld. Occasionally shake the pan gently to prevent the sauce from burning. You can adjust the sauce consistency further by simmering longer or adding a bit more water, depending on your preference.
Step 8
Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, add 1 Tbsp of perilla oil for a nutty aroma and turn off the heat. Gently stir once more to allow the perilla oil’s fragrance to infuse into the dish.
Step 9
Serve the beautifully braised tofu in a dish. Spooning the generous sauce over your rice and mixing it in is absolutely delicious! Enjoy a wonderful meal with this exquisite braised tofu.
