Golden Ratio Dubu Duruchigi: Daejeon’s Specialty, Lee Young-ja Recommended Restaurant Recipe
Golden Ratio Dubu Duruchigi: Daejeon’s Specialty, Lee Young-ja Recommended Restaurant Recipe
A Special Taste at Home! Perfectly Made Dubu Duruchigi with a Golden Recipe
Hello! If you love tofu dishes, you’re in for a treat. Dubu Duruchigi, where soft and chewy tofu is simmered in a sweet and spicy sauce, is truly a delicacy. This is the famous Daejeon specialty that Lee Young-ja highly praised. Enjoy this golden recipe at home for a delicious meal! It’s a guaranteed rice-stealer.
Main Ingredients for Dubu Duruchigi- 1 block firm tofu (recommended for pan-frying)
- 1/2 to 1 onion (adjust to size, 1/2 is for a medium-sized onion)
- A little cooking oil (for pan-frying tofu)
Spicy and Sweet Sauce- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (for umami boost!)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1/2 cup Water (approx. 100ml)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (for umami boost!)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1/2 cup Water (approx. 100ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the tofu. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm thick squares. After cutting, press the tofu firmly with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This step prevents oil splattering when frying and helps the tofu become firmer and more delicious.
Step 2
Peel and wash the onion, then thinly slice it into strips. I used half an onion because it was quite large, but if your onion is smaller, feel free to use a whole one. Adding onion will enhance the sweetness and flavor, making it even tastier.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to make the spicy and sweet sauce that defines Dubu Duruchigi. In a deep bowl, add 1 tablespoon of Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). If you like it spicier, you can add a little more.
Step 4
Next, add 0.5 tablespoon of sugar to bring in some sweetness. You can adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
Step 5
Add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce for savory depth and saltiness.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of Gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a deep flavor and a slight thickness to the sauce.
Step 7
Add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. Oyster sauce is a magical ingredient that elevates the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 8
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
Step 9
Pour in 1/2 cup of water (approx. 100ml) and stir well until all the sauce ingredients are thoroughly combined. Your sauce is now ready.
Step 10
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Place the prepared tofu pieces in the pan, making sure they don’t overlap too much.
Step 11
Pan-fry the tofu until it’s golden brown on both sides. Flip them occasionally and be careful not to burn them. Frying until the surface is slightly crispy will make it even more delicious.
Step 12
Once the tofu is nicely browned, use paper towels to gently wipe away any excess oil from the pan. Too much oil can make it greasy, so wiping it down is a key step.
Step 13
Now, add the sliced onions to the pan and stir-fry them with the tofu. Cook until the onions become translucent.
Step 14
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the tofu and onions. Gently stir and toss with a spatula to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Be careful not to stir too vigorously.
Step 15
Once the tofu and onions are well-coated with the sauce, it’s time to let the sauce thicken. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 16
Voila! Your delicious Dubu Duruchigi is complete. The sweet and spicy sauce spooned over rice is absolutely divine. It’s just as tasty as meat Duruchigi but also a healthy option, making it a fantastic meal! Perfect for a hearty meal or as a side dish with drinks. Be sure to give it a try!
