Gisa Sikdang Style Dubu Jorim (Braised Tofu)
Gisa Sikdang Style Dubu Jorim (Braised Tofu)
Ultimate Dubu Jorim Recipe: Unlocking the Secret of Gisa Sikdang!
Introducing the unforgettable ‘Gisa Sikdang Style Dubu Jorim’ recipe, a true rice thief! Just like the famous dish from the bustling Gisa Sikdang (driver’s cafeteria) in Sillim-dong, you can now recreate this hearty and satisfying side dish at home. This recipe is a lifelong keeper, guaranteed to make your rice disappear in no time!
Main Ingredients- 2 blocks Firm Tofu (firm tofu for pan-frying is recommended)
- 300g Pork (ground pork or thinly sliced pork belly/neck)
- 1 stalk Green Onion (mostly the white parts)
- 1 medium Onion
- 1/2 tsp Salt (for seasoning tofu)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil (for fragrant oil)
- Pinch of Whole Black Pepper (for seasoning pork)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 cup Water (200ml)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Gisa Sikdang Seasoning Sauce- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Jin Ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – add more for extra spice)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp Mirin (or Cheongju/rice wine)
- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Jin Ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – add more for extra spice)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp Mirin (or Cheongju/rice wine)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Slice the tofu into 1.5cm thick pieces. For easier handling, you can cut each block in half first. Pat the surface of the sliced tofu thoroughly dry with paper towels. This prevents the tofu from breaking apart during cooking and helps it absorb flavors better. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp of salt evenly over the tofu slices to lightly season them, enhancing the depth of flavor.
Step 2
Slice the green onion diagonally and thinly slice the onion. These cuts ensure even cooking and uniform flavor distribution with the sauce.
Step 3
Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced green onions and sauté slowly until fragrant and the oil becomes infused with their aroma, creating ‘green onion oil’. This step is a key secret to adding a rich umami flavor to the dish.
Step 4
Once the green onion oil is ready, add the pork. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Break up any clumps of pork and stir-fry over low heat until it’s no longer pink and turns lightly golden brown. The rendered pork fat will further enrich the flavor of the tofu and sauce.
Step 5
When the pork is sufficiently cooked, create a space in the pan and add the pre-mixed seasoning ingredients (soy sauce, gochujang, doenjang, gochugaru, sugar, mirin). Stir-fry together with the pork over low heat, ensuring the sauce doesn’t burn. The key is to cook until the sauce reduces and becomes thick, just before it starts to stick to the pan. This process deepens the sauce’s flavor complexity.
Step 6
Once the seasoning has thickened, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic to the empty space in the pan and sauté briefly until fragrant. Then, pour in 1 cup (200ml) of water to loosen the sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to combine the sauce well.
Step 7
When the sauce begins to boil, arrange the seasoned tofu slices in a single layer in the pot, making sure they don’t overlap. Top evenly with the sliced onions. Cover the pot and simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the rich sauce. Spooning some of the sauce over the tofu halfway through can enhance the flavor.
Step 8
Once the tofu is tender and the sauce has reduced to a desirable consistency, sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top. Your delicious Gisa Sikdang Style Dubu Jorim is now complete! Serve hot with rice.
