Savory and Sweet Soy-Braised Tofu: A Family Favorite Recipe
Savory and Sweet Soy-Braised Tofu: A Family Favorite Recipe
Soy-Braised Tofu: A Delicious Side Dish for All Ages
Introducing a delightful recipe for soy-braised tofu, where tender tofu is infused with a savory and sweet sauce. Made with simple ingredients, it’s an easy dish that pairs perfectly with rice, quickly becoming a true ‘rice thief’! It’s excellent as a make-ahead side dish or as a satisfying meal with warm rice. This is a particularly beloved dish by children, so be sure to give it a try!
Main Ingredients- 1 block of Tofu (firm or for stewing)
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1/2 stalk of Scallion
Delicious Braising Sauce- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine)
- 1 Tbsp Oligodang (Corn Syrup)
- 0.3 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine)
- 1 Tbsp Oligodang (Corn Syrup)
- 0.3 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 1 block of tofu. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm thick). Place the cut tofu pieces on a layer of paper towels and let them drain naturally for about 10 minutes. This step helps to reduce oil splattering when frying and firms up the tofu, preventing it from breaking apart.
Step 2
Sprinkle a little salt and pepper lightly on both sides of the drained tofu for seasoning. This will add more flavor as it seeps into the tofu.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious braising sauce. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of mirin, 1 tablespoon of oligodang, 0.3 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. Mix them all together thoroughly with a spoon. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference.
Step 4
Prepare a wide pan and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Heat the pan over medium-low heat. Carefully place the seasoned tofu pieces one by one into the hot oil and pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides. Frying until the surface is slightly crispy will enhance the texture.
Step 5
Here’s another tip! If you prefer extra crispy tofu, you can lightly coat the tofu with potato starch or tempura flour before frying. This will give you a crispy exterior and a tender interior, similar to delicious fried tofu.
Step 6
Arrange the golden-brown fried tofu on one side of the pan, or wipe the pan clean if needed, then pour the prepared sauce over the tofu. Reduce the heat to low and let the tofu simmer in the sauce until it is evenly absorbed. Be careful not to use high heat, as the sauce can burn. Finally, add 1/2 stalk of thinly sliced scallions and stir briefly to finish. This adds a wonderful aromatic flavor.
Step 7
And there you have it – perfectly savory and sweet soy-braised tofu! It’s incredibly delicious served over hot steamed rice. This dish is a fantastic option for a children’s snack or a hearty meal side.
