Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu with Pork Belly
Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu with Pork Belly
A Deliciously Savory Stew of Tofu and Frozen Pork Belly
This is a thick, stew-like dish featuring tender tofu and flavorful frozen pork belly simmered in a savory sauce. It’s a perfect accompaniment to rice. Find the full recipe at https://mangoistree.tistory.com/
Main Ingredients- 1 block Tofu
- 3/4 ice cream bowl of Frozen thinly sliced pork belly (approx. 200-250g)
- 1/2 Onion
Seasoning Sauce- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Chopped Scallion (white parts preferred)
- 1/2 Cheongyang Pepper (seeds removed, finely chopped)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 tsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Chopped Scallion (white parts preferred)
- 1/2 Cheongyang Pepper (seeds removed, finely chopped)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 tsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Lightly grease a non-stick wok or wide pan with 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil, spreading it evenly with a paper towel. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even heating.
Step 2
Rinse the block of tofu under cold water. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5-2 cm thick. Rectangular shapes, cut in half or thirds lengthwise, work well for arranging them neatly in a 26cm pan without overlapping.
Step 3
Spoon 1 tablespoon of the pre-mixed seasoning sauce (4 Tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 Tbsp Gochugaru, 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic, 1/2 Chopped Scallion, 1/2 Tbsp Sugar, 2 tsp Sesame Oil, pinch of Black Pepper) over the tofu pieces. Place the pan over medium heat to allow the seasoning to slowly absorb into the tofu.
Step 4
Cover the pan with a lid. Cook over medium-low heat. The tofu will release its moisture, creating a slightly soupy base, and the sauce will gradually penetrate the tofu. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the tofu starts releasing liquid.
Step 5
Peel and thinly slice the 1/2 onion. Cut the slices in half to create shorter strands, which are easier to eat once cooked.
Step 6
Arrange the sliced onions attractively over the tofu. Spoon another tablespoon of the seasoning sauce over the onions to ensure they also absorb flavor.
Step 7
Prepare about 3/4 of an ice cream bowl of frozen, thinly sliced pork belly (approximately 200-250g). The thin slices cook quickly, making them ideal for this dish. If using regular pork belly or other cuts of pork or beef, slice them as thinly as possible.
Step 8
Instead of unrolling the frozen pork belly, cut it into 2-3cm pieces. This makes it easier to cook evenly and absorb the sauce. Place the cut pork belly in a bowl, add 3 tablespoons of the seasoning sauce, and gently mix with your hands or a spoon until well coated.
Step 9
Layer the seasoned pork belly over the onions. Pour the 2 tablespoons of water around the edges of the pan. Cover the pan again and cook over medium heat until the pork belly is fully cooked through.
Step 10
Continue simmering until the pork belly is cooked to your liking. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and your stove. About halfway through, lift the lid to check the doneness of the pork. Just before serving, drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of oligodang (corn syrup) over the dish for a glossy finish and a touch of sweetness. (Adjust to your preference.)
Step 11
Your delicious Braised Tofu with Pork Belly, with its satisfyingly thick broth, is now ready! It’s a hearty and visually appealing meal.
Step 12
Carefully transfer the tofu, pork belly, and onions to individual serving bowls using a spatula. Don’t forget to ladle some of the flavorful, thick broth over the top – it’s perfect for mixing with rice!
