Delicious Braised Tofu Recipe
Delicious Braised Tofu Recipe
Make Braised Tofu, a Side Dish You’ll Never Get Tired Of
I bought some tofu with the intention of pan-frying it until golden brown and dipping it in soy sauce. However, I quickly changed my mind and decided to make braised tofu instead! I didn’t have many other side dishes readily available. ^^;; Tofu is one of those ingredients I often buy to make side dishes. I’ve posted about it a few times before, but the seasoning proportions change slightly each time, so I wanted to share my updated, delicious recipe. This recipe is perfect for a simple yet flavorful everyday meal!
Main Ingredients- 1 block of tofu (approx. 300g, cut into 1.5-2cm thick slices)
- 1/2 onion (sliced)
- 1/2 stalk of green onion (sliced diagonally)
- 1 red chili pepper (sliced diagonally, seeds removed)
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (optional, sliced diagonally)
- Cooking oil (for frying tofu)
- Water (enough to cover the tofu, about 1 cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the tofu into thick slices, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Gently press the tofu slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps prevent oil splattering when frying and makes the tofu more crispy.
Step 2
Lightly season the tofu slices with salt and pepper. This step seasons the tofu and helps it absorb the sauce better later on. You can skip this if you prefer, but it adds an extra layer of flavor.
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the seasoned tofu slices in the hot oil. Pan-fry them until they are golden brown and slightly firm on both sides. Frying the tofu beforehand helps it maintain its shape during braising and adds a pleasant chewy texture.
Step 4
While the tofu is frying, let’s prepare the delicious braising sauce. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (red pepper flakes), 1 tablespoon of oligosaccharide, 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of perilla oil. Mix everything well until thoroughly combined. You can add a pinch of black pepper if you like. Mixing the sauce ingredients in advance saves time during cooking.
Step 5
Slice the onion thinly. Slice the green onion and red chili pepper diagonally. The red chili adds color, and you can add a Korean green chili pepper for a spicier kick, depending on your preference.
Step 6
Arrange the fried tofu slices at the bottom of a pot or pan. Scatter the sliced onions evenly over the tofu. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the tofu and onions. Add enough water to come up to the level of the tofu (about 1 cup). Adjust the water amount based on how saucy you like your braised tofu.
Step 7
Cover the pot and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. Once the sauce starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, coating the tofu. After about 5-7 minutes, or when the sauce has reduced to your liking, add the diagonally sliced green onions and red chili peppers. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!
