Super Simple and Delicious Braised Tofu
Super Simple and Delicious Braised Tofu
Easy & Delicious Braised Tofu Recipe for Beginners / Solo Cooking
Let’s make a nutritious and super simple braised tofu dish together! This recipe is incredibly easy and perfect for a quick, healthy side dish.
Main Ingredients- Tofu 300g (1 block)
- Green Onion (scallions) – a small amount
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
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Step 2
First, prepare the main ingredient: 300g of tofu (about one standard block) and a small amount of green onion to add a fresh aroma. Also, have 3 tablespoons of perilla oil (deulgireum) ready, which will bring out the savory flavor of the braised tofu.
Step 3
Next, measure out the seasoning ingredients that will form the heart of your delicious braised tofu. You’ll need 4 tablespoons of soy sauce for savoriness, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a touch of heat, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, a staple in Korean cooking, 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors with a hint of sweetness, and 1 tablespoon of water to help the sauce meld together beautifully.
Step 4
Wash the green onion thoroughly and slice it thinly into rounds. Aim for a moderate thickness so it holds its texture and flavor well when added to the braised dish.
Step 5
Cut the tofu into rectangular pieces of a size that’s easy to eat. About 1.5 to 2 cm thick is ideal – too thick and the sauce won’t penetrate well, too thin and it might crumble.
Step 6
It’s important to remove excess moisture from the tofu. Gently press the tofu slices with paper towels to absorb as much water as possible. For a little extra flavor, lightly season with a pinch of black pepper and salt. This step significantly enhances the tofu’s inherent taste.
Step 7
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced green onions, 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of water.
Step 8
Using a spatula or spoon, stir all the seasoning ingredients together until well combined, creating your flavorful sauce. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 9
Now it’s time to pan-fry the tofu. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of perilla oil. The perilla oil will add a wonderful nutty aroma, elevating the overall taste of the braised tofu.
Step 10
Carefully place the seasoned tofu slices into the heated pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan; this ensures the tofu fries evenly and doesn’t break apart.
Step 11
Fry the tofu on each side over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes, until it turns a nice golden brown. Searing the outside helps prevent the tofu from crumbling and gives it a more appealing, slightly chewy texture.
Step 12
Once both sides of the tofu are nicely golden, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the tofu in the pan. Try to pour the sauce directly onto the tofu rather than around the edges, allowing it to soak in better.
Step 13
As the sauce begins to simmer, carefully flip the tofu pieces using a spatula or tongs. This ensures the sauce coats both sides evenly. You can also spoon some of the sauce over the tofu as it cooks.
Step 14
Flip the tofu one more time and let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the tofu beautifully. Once the sauce is slightly reduced and glossy, your delicious braised tofu is ready! Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy.
