Spicy Pork Belly and Tofu Stew: A True Rice Thief!
Easy and Flavorful Tofu Stew with Pork Belly
This tofu stew is incredibly simple to make and, thanks to the thinly sliced pork belly, the broth becomes exceptionally rich and delicious. It’s a dish I often crave! Here’s how to make this delightful meal easily at home.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block (about 14 oz or 400g) firm tofu
- 250g (about 1/2 lb) thinly sliced pork belly
- 1 large stalk green onion
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (or jalapeño)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, slice the block of tofu into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the half onion and the green onion lengthwise. Finely chop the Korean green chili pepper. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more chili peppers.
Step 2
In a pot or deep pan, spread the thinly sliced pork belly evenly across the bottom, trying not to overlap the slices too much. The pork belly will infuse the broth with a rich, savory flavor.
Step 3
Carefully arrange the sliced tofu pieces on top of the pork belly. The tofu will absorb the delicious pork fat as it cooks, becoming wonderfully tender.
Step 4
Next, evenly distribute the sliced green onions and onions over the tofu. These vegetables will add another layer of flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the seasoning sauce. In a small bowl, combine the gochugaru, sugar, fish sauce, minced garlic, perilla oil, soy sauce, and water. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. Finally, mix in the toasted sesame seeds. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 6
Pour the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over all the ingredients in the pot. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and bring it to a boil over high heat. Covering the pot helps the ingredients steam and absorb the flavors.
Step 7
Once the stew begins to boil vigorously, gently stir everything with chopsticks or a spatula to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Be careful not to break the tofu. This step helps prevent sticking and melds the flavors together.
Step 8
After stirring, reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the stew, either partially covered or uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broth has thickened slightly and the ingredients are well-cooked and glossy. Your delicious Spicy Pork Belly and Tofu Stew is ready to be served!
