Chewy and Budget-Friendly Braised Tofu
Chewy and Budget-Friendly Braised Tofu
How to Make Chewy Tofu Braised Like Korean Fried Tofu (Dubu Gangjeong) with a Secret Sauce
Make chewy braised tofu that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with simple ingredients. Here’s a delicious recipe for Dubu Gangjeong, perfect as a side dish for rice or a tasty snack with drinks.
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (for pan-frying or Gangjeong)
- 1 Cheongyang pepper (Korean chili pepper)
- Cornstarch, a little
Golden Braising Sauce- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The key to delicious braised tofu is choosing the right kind! Instead of very soft tofu meant for stews, use firm pan-frying tofu. This way, it won’t break apart when you pan-fry or braise it, helping to achieve a chewy texture.
Step 2
Prepare 1 Cheongyang pepper to add a spicy kick. Finely chop it without removing the seeds. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can use a regular green chili pepper instead.
Step 3
Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. If the pieces are too thick, the sauce won’t penetrate well, and they won’t cook as quickly.
Step 4
Lightly sprinkle salt on the surface of the cut tofu. Salt helps to draw out moisture, making the exterior firmer. This prevents the tofu from breaking apart during frying or pan-frying and contributes to a chewier texture.
Step 5
After salting, let the tofu sit for about 5 minutes. Gently press with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that wonderfully chewy texture in your braised tofu.
Step 6
While the tofu is draining, let’s make the delicious braising sauce. Having it ready will speed up the cooking process.
Step 7
In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, 3 Tbsp water, 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 8
If you want the sauce to cling to the tofu like in Korean fried tofu (Dubu Gangjeong), mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch into the sauce. Cornstarch will thicken the sauce, helping it adhere better to the tofu. However, note that if you store and reheat the dish, the appearance might not be as appealing, so consider this an optional step.
Step 9
Pat the drained tofu dry with paper towels to remove any remaining moisture. Then, coat each piece evenly with cornstarch. Aim for a thin, even coating.
Step 10
Avoid applying too thick a layer of cornstarch, as it can make the coating too heavy, like a thick batter. A thin, even coating is the secret to achieving that perfect chewy and delicious braised tofu.
Step 11
Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Pan-fry the tofu until it’s golden brown. Cooking over medium-low heat allows the tofu to cook through evenly while developing a crispy exterior.
Step 12
Tofu coated in cornstarch tends to stick together, so don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the tofu in batches, leaving some space between pieces. Once one side is golden brown and crispy, flip and cook the other side until equally browned.
Step 13
Remove the pan-fried tofu and drain any excess oil from the pan. Pour in the prepared braising sauce. Since soy sauce brands vary in saltiness and sweetness, it’s best to taste the sauce and adjust the amount as needed rather than using all of it at once.
Step 14
Once the sauce begins to simmer, add the pan-fried tofu back into the pan. Gently toss the tofu to coat it evenly with the sauce, allowing it to simmer and thicken. This will result in a glossy and appetizing braised tofu dish.
Step 15
Your delicious braised tofu is ready!
Step 16
Garnish the finished braised tofu with the finely chopped Cheongyang peppers. You can also add them while the sauce is simmering, but placing them on top at the end makes for a more visually appealing presentation and adds a fresh kick.
Step 17
The Cheongyang peppers are optional. Sprinkle some black sesame seeds on top for added nuttiness. The combination of the chewy texture and savory sauce makes this braised tofu incredibly delicious!
