Delicious Braised Tofu with Vienna Sausages: A Perfect Side Dish!
Delicious Braised Tofu with Vienna Sausages: A Perfect Side Dish!
Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu with Vienna Sausages
Create a beloved side dish for your meals using tofu and Vienna sausages from your refrigerator. The tofu, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with chewy sausages, all coated in a spicy and sweet sauce, results in a delightful dish the whole family can enjoy. This versatile recipe is perfect as a children’s snack or an appetizer for adults. Experience its captivating flavor!
Main Ingredients- Tofu (300g) 1 block
- Vienna sausages 13 pieces
- Cornstarch or potato starch 1 cup (for coating tofu)
- Cooking oil, generously (for frying tofu)
Spicy and Sweet Braising Sauce- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Ketchup 2 Tbsp (adds sweetness and umami)
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Mirin or cooking sake 1 Tbsp (removes gamey smell and enhances flavor)
- Plum extract or syrup 1 Tbsp (adds sweetness and shine)
- Minced garlic 1/2 Tbsp (boosts flavor!)
- Oligosaccharide or corn syrup 2 Tbsp (for a glossy and sweet finish)
- Water 1/4 cup (to adjust sauce consistency)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Ketchup 2 Tbsp (adds sweetness and umami)
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Mirin or cooking sake 1 Tbsp (removes gamey smell and enhances flavor)
- Plum extract or syrup 1 Tbsp (adds sweetness and shine)
- Minced garlic 1/2 Tbsp (boosts flavor!)
- Oligosaccharide or corn syrup 2 Tbsp (for a glossy and sweet finish)
- Water 1/4 cup (to adjust sauce consistency)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly pat the tofu dry with paper towels. This is crucial to prevent oil splattering when frying and to ensure the starch adheres well. Slice the tofu into uniform, flat pieces, about 1.5 cm thick.
Step 2
Coat the sliced tofu evenly on all sides with cornstarch or potato starch. A thin layer of starch will create a crispy texture when fried and help the sauce cling better.
Step 3
Pour a generous amount of cooking oil into a pan and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is sufficiently hot, carefully add the starch-coated tofu pieces, ensuring they don’t stick together. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. Continue frying until a beautiful golden-brown color is achieved for maximum deliciousness.
Step 4
Transfer the fried tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This step helps maintain the tofu’s crispiness.
Step 5
In the same pan, leave some oil or add a little more if needed. Lightly fry the Vienna sausages for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to overcook them, as they might burst. A quick fry enhances their flavor and gives them a nice sheen.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the delicious braising sauce. Combine all the sauce ingredients (gochujang, ketchup, soy sauce, mirin, plum extract, minced garlic, oligosaccharide, and water) in the pan. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 7
Once the sauce is bubbling, carefully add the fried tofu and lightly fried Vienna sausages. Gently toss them to coat evenly with the sauce. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this can break the tofu. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 8
Serve the braised tofu and Vienna sausages in a serving dish. Place it over warm rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Any leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated.
