Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim): A Flavorful Korean Classic
Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim): A Flavorful Korean Classic
Rediscover Your Appetite with This Delicious Braised Tofu
This braised tofu is so incredibly delicious that your family will be begging you to make it again within two days! It’s best enjoyed immediately after cooking, served with freshly steamed rice.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1/3 stalk Green Onion
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Braising Sauce Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Honey (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 200ml Water
- 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Honey (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 200ml Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the block of tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm thick. You can cut them into squares or slightly elongated rectangles for a more appealing presentation.
Step 2
While you can pan-fry the tofu directly, we’ll use the microwave to remove some moisture for a firmer texture and better flavor absorption. Arrange the tofu pieces upright in a microwave-safe dish, ensuring they don’t stick together. Microwave for 2 minutes.
Step 3
After microwaving, you’ll notice a significant amount of water released from the tofu. Carefully drain all this water. This step helps firm up the tofu, preventing it from breaking apart during cooking.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the flavorful braising sauce. In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp oyster sauce, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp honey (or corn syrup), 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Add 200ml of water and stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Your sauce is ready!
Step 5
Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the microwaved tofu pieces into the pan and pan-fry them until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. This browning adds a beautiful color and enhances the flavor. Adjust the heat to medium-low to prevent burning.
Step 6
Once the tofu is nicely browned, reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over the tofu. Using a spoon or ladle, continuously baste the tofu by spooning the sauce over the top surface. This ensures the tofu absorbs the delicious flavors deeply.
Step 7
Slice the green onion into desired lengths, cutting them on an angle (bias-cut) to add a fresh aroma. You can also add chili peppers if you prefer more heat. Finally, drizzle in 1/2 Tbsp of sesame oil for a nutty finish. This dish is delicious as is, but the sauce is perfect for mixing with rice, so consider leaving a generous amount of sauce. Avoid cooking it down too much!
Step 8
Serve the hot braised tofu immediately with a bowl of freshly cooked rice. The warm tofu and savory sauce are sure to awaken even the most dormant appetite! When you hear your family exclaim, ‘Wow, this is delicious!’, you’ll know it’s another cooking success. Enjoy your meal! ^^
