Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) – A Beloved Side Dish
Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) – A Beloved Side Dish
Easy and Delicious Dubu Jorim Recipe: The Ultimate Rice Companion!
Tired of daily side dish dilemmas? 😢 When you crave something specific but can’t quite find it, or when simple and quick meals are hard to come by, consider this classic Dubu Jorim (braised tofu). It’s a favorite side dish for my husband! This recipe is straightforward yet yields a deeply flavorful result. Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm or medium-firm tofu (about 14-16 oz)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish and nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your block of tofu. Slice it into uniform pieces, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Make them bite-sized and relatively thick, as thin slices can break apart easily during cooking.
Step 2
Removing excess water from the tofu is crucial for a better texture and flavor absorption. Lay several layers of paper towels on a plate or cutting board. Arrange the sliced tofu on top, then cover with another layer of paper towels. Gently press down with your hands or a flat object to absorb moisture. This helps the tofu hold its shape and absorb the sauce better.
Step 3
While the tofu is draining, let’s make the delicious braising sauce. In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of gochugaru and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Step 4
Next, add 1/2 tablespoon of plum syrup (or corn syrup) for a touch of sweetness and shine, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for that wonderful nutty fragrance.
Step 5
Now, add 4 tablespoons of soy sauce for savory depth and 2 tablespoons of oligodang (or corn syrup) for a glossy finish and mild sweetness. Pour in 1/2 cup of water (about 100ml) to help the sauce blend smoothly. If you like, you can also finely chop some green onion and add it to the sauce for extra flavor!
Step 6
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add enough vegetable oil to lightly coat the bottom. Carefully place the drained tofu slices into the hot oil. Pan-fry them until they are golden brown and slightly crisp on both sides. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps the tofu firm up, preventing it from falling apart during braising. Once both sides are nicely browned, reduce the heat to low.
Step 7
Pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over the fried tofu. Now, cover the pan and let it simmer gently on low heat, allowing the sauce to penetrate the tofu. A key tip here is to avoid stirring the tofu frequently; instead, gently swirl the pan occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and coated the tofu beautifully.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle a generous pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the braised tofu for a final touch of flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot with a bowl of steamed rice – it’s truly a meal enhancer!
