Dubu Duruchigi (Korean Braised Tofu): A Perfect Side Dish for Rice!
Dubu Duruchigi (Korean Braised Tofu): A Perfect Side Dish for Rice!
Master the Art of Korean Home Cooking: Simple and Delicious Dubu Duruchigi Recipe. The Perfect Harmony of Soft Tofu and Spicy-Sweet Sauce!
What are some of the comforting dishes you remember from your childhood? I bet ‘tofu dishes’ come to mind for many of you. Tofu is a staple on our tables because it’s readily available, affordable, and versatile, making it an ingredient we often buy without a second thought. But it’s not just about the price; its rich nutritional value and delightful taste make us crave it and want to cook it again and again. Today, we’re making Dubu Duruchigi, a beloved Korean dish featuring tofu, which is so irresistibly delicious it’ll have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time! It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special day or just a regular evening when you’re craving comforting home-style cooking.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/2 Scallion (Green Onion)
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (Jalapeños) (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 Red Chili (for color and mild sweetness)
Seasoning Ingredients- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Use regular soy sauce, not soup soy sauce, for better flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) (for spiciness)
- 4 tsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp Sugar (enhances sweetness and umami)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for nutty aroma)
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Use regular soy sauce, not soup soy sauce, for better flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) (for spiciness)
- 4 tsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp Sugar (enhances sweetness and umami)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for nutty aroma)
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To begin making Dubu Duruchigi, prepare one block of firm tofu. First, cut the tofu block in half horizontally, then slice each half into 1 to 1.5 cm thick pieces. It’s important to cut them to a good thickness so they don’t break apart easily.
Step 2
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Carefully place the sliced tofu into the hot oil. Pan-fry the tofu until each side is golden brown and lightly crispy. Pre-frying the tofu helps it hold its shape and improves the texture.
Step 3
While the tofu is frying, prepare the vegetables. Finely chop the Korean green chilies and red chili. Slice the scallion into similar bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the onion. You can adjust the size of the chopped vegetables to your liking.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce. In a bowl, combine 5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 3 Tbsp gochujang, 4 tsp gochugaru, 2 tsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until you have a smooth sauce.
Step 5
Add the chopped Korean green chilies, red chili, scallions, and thinly sliced onions to the prepared sauce. Mix well to combine everything, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. This step allows the flavors of the vegetables to meld with the sauce.
Step 6
Arrange the golden-brown pan-fried tofu in a pot or deep skillet. Spoon the flavorful, spicy-sweet sauce evenly over the tofu. The sight of the sauce coating the perfectly fried tofu is truly appetizing!
Step 7
It’s time to let it simmer and braise. Pour in 200ml of water. To make sure you don’t waste any of the delicious sauce, rinse the bowl used for the sauce with the water and add that to the pot. This ensures all the flavor is utilized.
Step 8
Reduce the heat to low and let the dish simmer gently. It’s crucial to cook it slowly over low heat to prevent the sauce from burning and to allow the flavors to penetrate the tofu as the sauce reduces to a thick, glossy consistency. If the heat is too high, the sauce will burn. Be sure to simmer on low heat. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Step 9
Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the Dubu Duruchigi for a beautiful finish and added nutty flavor. This dish is wonderful served over a bowl of warm rice as a satisfying meal, or as a flavorful side dish to complement other Korean dishes.
