Delicious Braised Tofu
Delicious Braised Tofu
[One-Pan Easy Tofu Braise] Quick & Delicious with Just One Pan! Perfect for Lunchboxes!
Among various braised tofu recipes, this version is particularly popular with younger generations, featuring a savory and umami-rich soy sauce base. Using just one pan minimizes washing up and simplifies the cooking process considerably. It’s great to eat immediately with rice, and since it tastes delicious even when cold, it’s an excellent choice for lunchbox side dishes. Because it’s braised without much sauce, it fits perfectly into small containers, and it makes for a satisfying meal when placed over rice.
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300g)
- 3 Tbsp perilla oil
Braising Sauce- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 50ml water
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 50ml water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the tofu into 16 bite-sized pieces. (Typically, one block of tofu is cut into 4, and each of those pieces is cut into 4 again to make 16 pieces.)
Step 2
Gently press the cut tofu with paper towels on both sides to remove excess moisture. Removing moisture well helps the tofu become crispier when pan-fried and absorb the sauce better.
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 0.5 Tbsp sugar, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, and 50ml water. Mix thoroughly to create the delicious braising sauce.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium-low heat, add 3 Tbsp of perilla oil, and arrange the drained tofu pieces in a single layer. Pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides. Be careful to prevent the tofu from sticking to the pan.
Step 5
Once each side of the tofu is nicely browned, pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over the tofu. Switch the heat to medium at this point.
Step 6
To ensure the sauce penetrates the tofu well, continuously spoon the sauce from the pan over the tofu pieces as it simmers. This process enhances the umami flavor of the sauce in the tofu.
Step 7
When the sauce has reduced by about half, gently flip the tofu pieces and continue to braise for another 2-3 minutes so the other sides absorb the sauce. (Optional: If you have chopped green onions, add about a handful at this stage and braise together for even more flavor.)
Step 8
Once the sauce has thickened and coated the tofu with a glossy sheen, turn off the heat. Be careful not to overcook, as the tofu can become tough if braised for too long.
Step 9
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished braised tofu for added nuttiness and flavor. Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice!
