Chewy and Delicious Braised Tofu
Chewy Tofu Braised with Glutinous Rice Flour! A Simple and Delicious Recipe, Perfect for Kids’ Mealtime!
Experience the delightful chewy texture on the outside and soft interior of this amazing braised tofu. Coated in glutinous rice flour and pan-fried to a golden crisp, each bite offers a satisfying chewiness and a rich, nutty flavor. The sweet and savory soy sauce-based glaze is incredibly addictive and pairs perfectly with rice. This dish is a guaranteed hit, not only with adults but also with children who might usually be picky eaters. Even tofu-averse kids will be won over by this recipe’s magical taste! Make your mealtime special with this simple yet extraordinary braised tofu.
Braised Tofu Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu (about 300g)
- 6-7 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 Korean green chili peppers (kkwari gochu)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour
Braised Tofu Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup (adjust sweetness as needed)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup (adjust sweetness as needed)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
For a chewy texture, select firm tofu suitable for pan-frying. Pat the tofu dry thoroughly with paper towels for about 5 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for preventing the tofu from breaking apart and ensuring it holds its shape beautifully during cooking.
Step 2
Once the tofu is drained, cut it into bite-sized cubes, about 2-3 cm in size. Avoid cutting them too small, as this will help maintain their shape and provide a satisfying bite when braised.
Step 3
Thinly slice the garlic cloves. Finely chop the red chili pepper. Trim the stems off the Korean green chili peppers and slice them lengthwise into 2-3 pieces. Slicing the green chilies longer adds a lovely visual appeal and makes them easier to eat.
Step 4
Place the drained tofu cubes in a wide dish. Sprinkle the glutinous rice flour evenly over the tofu and gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Coating the tofu lightly with glutinous rice flour is the secret to achieving that wonderfully chewy texture. Shake the dish to ensure an even coating.
Step 5
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Carefully place the coated tofu cubes into the hot oil. Pan-fry the tofu, flipping occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and slightly crispy. This frying process is key to achieving the chewy exterior.
Step 6
Once the tofu pieces are nicely golden brown on all sides, carefully remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate. This initial frying helps the tofu maintain its structure when it’s later braised.
Step 7
Using the same pan with the leftover oil, add the sliced garlic. Sauté the garlic over medium-low heat until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can affect the overall flavor.
Step 8
When the garlic is fragrant, add the fried tofu back into the pan along with the sliced green and red chilies. Pour in all the prepared seasoning ingredients (soy sauce, oyster sauce, and corn syrup). Stir everything together and braise over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Gently toss to ensure the sauce coats the tofu and vegetables evenly.
Step 9
Once the sauce has reduced to a glaze, turn off the heat. Drizzle in the sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a final flourish. Your delicious braised tofu is now ready! The nutty aroma of sesame oil and the crunch of sesame seeds add the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy with a warm bowl of rice!
