Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) with Sweet Caramelized Onions
Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) with Sweet Caramelized Onions
Kim Soo-mi Style Braised Tofu: Enhanced with Sweet Onions!
Inspired by the popular Korean cooking show ‘Soo-mi’s Side Dishes’, this braised tofu recipe is a delightful creation. The perfectly pan-fried tofu, tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the sautéed onions. It’s a simple yet deeply flavorful dish that will surely become a favorite!
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 1 Cheongyang Pepper (Korean chili pepper)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- 3 Scallions
- 1/2 medium Onion
Braising Sauce- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for Korean cooking)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (approx. 5g)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder) (approx. 6g)
- 2 Tbsp Water
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for Korean cooking)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (approx. 5g)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder) (approx. 6g)
- 2 Tbsp Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly pat dry the tofu with paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent oil splattering while frying and to achieve a crispier texture. Cut the tofu into 6 equal pieces. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat, and pan-fry each side of the tofu until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 2
While the tofu is frying, let’s prepare the delicious braising sauce. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 teaspoons of gochugaru, and 2 tablespoons of water. Whisk everything together until well combined. Your flavorful braising sauce is now ready!
Step 3
Thinly slice the half onion. Heat a little cooking oil in a separate pan over medium-low heat and sauté the sliced onions until they become translucent and slightly sweet. Caramelizing the onions enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor in the final dish.
Step 4
Once the tofu is nicely golden brown, arrange it neatly in the pan. Pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over the tofu. Let it simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu beautifully. Gently shake the pan or carefully flip the tofu pieces with a spatula to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Step 5
After the tofu has been braised to perfection, transfer it to a serving plate. Generously top with the sautéed sweet onions. For an extra touch of color and flavor, garnish with thinly sliced Cheongyang peppers, red bell peppers, and chopped scallions. Serve hot with your favorite rice for a truly satisfying meal!
