Glistening Soy-Braised Tofu: A Delicious Korean Staple
Easy Soy-Braised Tofu Stew (Jjigae-style), Duburuchigi with Perilla Oil, Side Dish Recipe
Let’s make a delicious, quintessential Korean side dish: Soy-Braised Tofu. This recipe offers a wonderful depth of flavor and a beautiful sheen.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300g)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (Cheongyang peppers)
- 1 handful Green Onion (or 1/2 stalk)
- Pinch of Sugar (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’re going to make a beloved Korean staple that’s enjoyed by all ages: Soy-Braised Tofu. Let’s create this glistening, delicious dish together!
Step 2
First, it’s crucial to remove excess water from the tofu. Wrap the tofu block in paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth and press gently to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Next, heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Pan-fry the tofu on all sides until it’s golden brown and looks appetizing. This step helps the tofu hold its shape and adds a delightful nutty flavor.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the flavorful sauce! In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, 2 finely chopped Korean green chilies, a handful of chopped green onion (or about half a stalk), a pinch of sugar (adjust sweetness to your preference), and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 4
Arrange the pan-fried tofu in a pot or skillet. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the tofu. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of perilla oil for a wonderful nutty aroma and depth of flavor. Simmer over medium-low heat, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld into the tofu. Basting the tofu with the sauce as it cooks will enhance the taste even further.
Step 5
And there you have it! Your delicious Soy-Braised Tofu is ready, a dish that will make you want to finish a whole bowl of rice. It’s absolutely delicious served over hot rice. Be sure to give this recipe a try!
