Savory and Sweet Braised Tofu (Dubu Ganjang Jorim)
Easy Tofu Braised in Soy Sauce: A Delicious Home-Style Side Dish
Here’s a fantastic way to use up that tofu languishing in your fridge! This savory and sweet braised tofu (Dubu Ganjang Jorim) is a simple yet incredibly delicious banchan (side dish) that pairs perfectly with rice. If you usually make tofu stew or stir-fries, try this flavorful variation that offers a delightful balance of salty and sweet notes. It’s a guaranteed rice-thief!
Ingredients
- 600g firm tofu (or firm stewing tofu)
- 250g water (approx. 1.5 standard cups)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (for braising or seasoned soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp ginger syrup (or 1/2 tsp minced ginger + 1/2 Tbsp honey)
- 1-2 Korean chili peppers (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (or cooking wine)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Pinch of black pepper
- A little toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 5-6 Tbsp cooking oil (for frying tofu)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the tofu gently under running water. Pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving a crisp exterior and preventing oil splatters when frying.
Step 2
Cut the dried tofu into thick, bite-sized cubes, approximately 2-3 cm in size. Cubes look appealing and are easy to eat after braising. (For a 290g block of tofu, cutting it into about 16 pieces is a good guideline.)
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until each side is golden brown and firm to the touch. Aim for a crisp, slightly browned exterior on all six sides, similar to deep-frying. This texture transformation is key!
Step 4
In a separate pot or pan, combine 250g of water, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp ginger syrup, 1 Tbsp mirin, 1 tsp sugar, 1-2 thinly sliced Korean chili peppers (seeds removed if desired), and a pinch of black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step 5
If you don’t have ginger syrup, you can substitute it with 1/2 tsp of minced ginger mixed with 1/2 Tbsp of honey or corn syrup. If using a substitute, you might want to adjust the sweetness to your liking. Using a seasoned soy sauce or a good quality braising soy sauce will provide a richer flavor without needing extra stock.
Step 6
Once the braising liquid is boiling, carefully add the fried tofu cubes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu. Gently turn the tofu pieces occasionally to ensure even coating and prevent them from breaking.
Step 7
When the sauce has reduced to a thick glaze and is well absorbed by the tofu, stir in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and turn off the heat. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy this delicious braised tofu with your favorite rice!
