Savory Oyster Sauce Braised Tofu Recipe
Savory Oyster Sauce Braised Tofu Recipe
Savory Oyster Sauce Braised Tofu Recipe
Always a beloved side dish on the table, braised tofu! The taste can vary greatly depending on personal preference, but today, I’m sharing a special version with the added richness of oyster sauce for a deep, umami flavor. Placing a spoonful of this warm braised tofu over a bowl of rice creates a satisfying meal that needs no other side dishes. Experience the enhanced savory flavor brought by the oyster sauce!
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 340g)
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1/2 stalk green onion
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Braising Sauce- 150ml water
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (optional)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 150ml water
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (optional)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Drain the tofu by pressing it gently with paper towels to remove excess water. Then, cut it into desired pieces, about 2-3 cm thick. Slice the green onion diagonally about 0.5 cm thick, and thinly slice or julienne the onion. Cutting the tofu into larger pieces will help the braising sauce less penetrate, allowing you to better savor the tofu’s original flavor.
Step 2
Let’s make a delicious braising sauce that will elevate the flavor of the tofu! First, pour 150ml of water into a bowl. Add 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru), and 1 Tbsp oyster sauce. For added depth, include 1 Tbsp cooking wine (you can omit this if unavailable), 1/2 Tbsp sugar for a touch of sweetness, 1 Tbsp minced garlic for savory notes, 1 Tbsp sesame oil for nuttiness, and finally, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Whisk everything together until well combined. Making the sauce in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to pan-fry the tofu to perfection. Heat a pan over medium-low heat, then add 2 Tbsp cooking oil and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Combining these two oils creates a richer aroma and helps the ingredients cook gently without burning. Be mindful that sesame oil has a low smoke point, so avoid heating it over high heat initially to prevent scorching.
Step 4
Arrange the prepared tofu pieces in the heated pan and pan-fry them until they are golden brown on both sides. Lightly browning the tofu makes it firmer, preventing it from breaking apart easily and helping it absorb the braising sauce better. Frying over excessively high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked, so it’s best to fry gently over medium-low heat.
Step 5
On top of the browned tofu, artfully arrange the sliced onions and diagonally cut green onions. Adding the vegetables during cooking allows them to soften gently and impart a delicious flavor alongside the tofu.
Step 6
Pour the well-mixed braising sauce around the edges of the pan, allowing it to naturally flow between the tofu and vegetables. The sauce might seem plentiful at first, but it will reduce and flavor the ingredients as it cooks.
Step 7
Cover the pan and simmer over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly reduced. Gently shake the pan occasionally or spoon the sauce over the tofu to ensure even flavoring. Once the sauce becomes a little thicker, reduce the heat to very low and continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the tofu. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.
Step 8
Serve the perfectly braised tofu atop warm rice and enjoy! The savory depth from the oyster sauce combined with the tender tofu creates an unforgettable taste experience.
