Savory Soy-Braised Tofu: A Perfect Side Dish for Kids!
Savory Soy-Braised Tofu: A Perfect Side Dish for Kids!
Simple Korean Tofu Braise Recipe, Recommended for Kids’ Snacks and Meal Sides
This recipe is a home-friendly adaptation of a dish learned for the Korean Cuisine Practical Skills certification exam. It’s simple yet irresistibly sweet and savory, with pan-fried tofu offering a delightfully chewy exterior and a tender interior. It’s a wonderful choice for children’s side dishes!
Main Ingredients- 800g firm tofu
- A pinch of dried chili threads (optional)
- 4cm segment of green onion
Seasoning Sauce- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup water (approx. 200ml)
- Cooking oil, for frying
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup water (approx. 200ml)
- Cooking oil, for frying
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
For hygiene, gently blanch the tofu in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes. This helps firm up the tofu and remove any impurities.
Step 2
While the tofu is blanching, prepare the seasoning sauce by mixing the soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Cut the dried chili threads into 2cm lengths, and slice the green onion into 2cm segments along the grain. (You can omit or adjust the amount of green onion and chili threads to your preference.)
Step 3
After blanching, rinse the tofu lightly under cold water. Then, carefully pat it dry with a kitchen towel or a clean dishcloth to remove excess moisture. Thoroughly drying the tofu is crucial to prevent oil splattering and achieve a crispy texture when frying.
Step 4
Cut the dried tofu in half, then slice it into pieces about 0.8cm thick. Lightly sprinkle salt on the cut surfaces; this seasons the tofu and helps it firm up, preventing it from breaking apart.
Step 5
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the tofu pieces on both sides until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. Frying it in this manner creates a delightful contrast between the chewy exterior and the soft interior.
Step 6
(Optional Step) The Korean Cuisine Practical Skills exam includes a step to drain excess oil from the fried tofu on paper towels, but this can be skipped at home. Set the fried tofu aside on a plate.
Step 7
Now, it’s time to braise. In a clean pan (or the same one, wiped clean), add the prepared seasoning sauce and 1 cup of water.
Step 8
Bring the sauce to a boil over high heat. Once the sauce starts bubbling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium.
Step 9
After reducing the heat to medium, add the fried tofu to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the tofu as it simmers, allowing it to braise until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes. This ensures the tofu absorbs the flavors well.
Step 10
Just before turning off the heat, sprinkle the sliced dried chili threads and green onion as a garnish (optional). Turn off the heat, but let it gently steam for about 1 minute, basting with a little sauce. This final touch allows the sauce to fully permeate the tofu, resulting in a perfectly tender and flavorful braised dish.
