Savory and Spicy Braised Tofu Recipe
Spicy & Sweet Braised Tofu: A Rice-Lover’s Delight
Don’t let leftover tofu go to waste! This braised tofu recipe transforms it into a delicious side dish that can be enjoyed for a day or two, perfect for busy meals. It’s a staple that tastes great even after a day.
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 block firm tofu (approx. 150-200g)
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (cheongyang chili)
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Spicy Braising Sauce
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 5 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or cheongju)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 5 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or cheongju)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop the Korean green chili pepper, which adds a pleasant heat. In a bowl, combine the chopped chili, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 5 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp corn syrup, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp cooking wine. Mix well to create a flavorful braising sauce.
Step 2
Slice the 1/2 block of tofu into approximately 1.5 cm thick pieces for easy eating. Gently pat the surface of the tofu with a paper towel to remove excess moisture; this helps prevent oil splattering and allows the tofu to brown nicely. Lightly oil a preheated pan over medium heat, and arrange the sliced tofu pieces in a single layer.
Step 3
Instead of flipping immediately, reduce the heat to low and let each side cook until golden brown. This slow cooking process helps the tofu firm up without breaking and adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 4
Once one side of the tofu is golden brown, carefully flip the pieces and brown the other side in the same manner. Continue to cook until both sides have a delicious, golden-brown hue. After both sides are nicely browned, turn off the heat temporarily.
Step 5
With the tofu still in the pan, carefully pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over the tofu pieces. To avoid hot oil and sauce splattering, it’s safest to pour the sauce while the heat is off.
Step 6
Now, turn the heat back on to low. Let the sauce simmer and reduce until it is thick and coats the tofu. Gently turn the tofu pieces occasionally to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce. Continue simmering until only a little sauce remains, creating a delicious braised tofu. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the sauce from drying out too much.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds over the finished braised tofu for an aromatic and nutty finish. Enjoy your delicious, savory, and spicy braised tofu with a bowl of warm rice!
