Savory Braised Tofu (Dubu Jjigae-style)
Make a Delicious Side Dish with Braised Tofu!
I love tofu and often make various tofu dishes. Today, I’ve prepared a simple yet flavorful ‘Dubu Jjigae-style Braised Tofu’ that you can make without many special ingredients. It’s a delightful side dish that will make you want to finish your rice bowl in no time!
Main Ingredients
- 1 block (approx. 300-350g) firm tofu
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 segment (approx. 10cm) green onion
- 1 Korean chili pepper (optional, for heat adjustment)
- 200ml water
Seasoning
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (or 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce + 0.5 Tbsp fish sauce)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- A pinch of black pepper
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (or 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce + 0.5 Tbsp fish sauce)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- A pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel and wash half an onion. Slice it thinly into strips about 0.5cm thick. The sliced onion will add a tender texture when cooked.
Step 2
Remove the stem from one Korean chili pepper, wash it, and then finely chop it. If you like it spicier, leave the seeds in; otherwise, remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
Step 3
Wash one segment of green onion (about 10cm long), including both the white and green parts. Finely chop it into bite-sized pieces. The aromatic green onion will enhance the dish’s overall flavor.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients for the braised tofu. Add 3 Tbsp gochugaru, 0.5 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp fish sauce, and 1 Tbsp soy sauce. Finish with a pinch of black pepper. Mix well with a spoon until all the seasonings are evenly incorporated to create the sauce.
Step 5
Gently rinse the block of tofu under running water. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5cm to 2cm thick. Avoid cutting it too thin, as it might break apart during cooking.
Step 6
Now, prepare a pot for cooking. Arrange the cut tofu pieces attractively at the bottom of the pot. Then, generously layer the sliced onions over the tofu. Pour the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over the tofu and onions.
Step 7
Carefully pour 200ml of water over the ingredients. Cover the pot with a lid and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer so the flavors can meld into the tofu.
Step 8
When the tofu is partially cooked and the onions begin to turn translucent, add the chopped Korean chili pepper and green onion. Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are fully tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom.
Step 9
If the sauce reduces too much during cooking and becomes too thick, gradually add a little hot water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed; you can add a tiny bit more soy sauce or fish sauce if it’s not salty enough.
Step 10
Your delicious and savory braised tofu is ready! Served over a bowl of hot rice, it’s an absolute treat. Enjoy this simple yet incredibly flavorful Dubu Jjigae-style Braised Tofu for a satisfying meal!
