Spicy and Savory Braised Tofu (Baek Jong Won Style)
Easy Baek Jong Won Tofu Jorim Recipe: A Flavorful Side Dish with Spicy Kick and Nutty Sesame Oil
This recipe features soft tofu simmered in a rich, savory sauce enhanced with shrimp paste and perilla oil. It’s a comforting and satisfying staple dish for any meal, perfect for both family dinners and as a delicious accompaniment to drinks, thanks to its bold, spicy flavor. Made with Baek Jong Won’s simple yet effective seasoning, this is a tofu dish you’ll want to serve often. With minimal ingredients and an easy preparation process, even beginner cooks can achieve delicious results. Get ready to discover a mouthwatering spicy tofu braised dish that will have you reaching for extra rice!
Main Ingredients
- 320g firm tofu (approx. 1 block)
- 1 stalk green onion
- 2 Korean chili peppers (cheongyang peppers)
Broth/Seasoning
- 1 cup water (200ml)
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp (saeujeot)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (coarse Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang)
- 1/3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 pinch ginger powder (or a tiny bit of grated ginger)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1 cup water (200ml)
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp (saeujeot)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (coarse Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang)
- 1/3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 pinch ginger powder (or a tiny bit of grated ginger)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables that will add flavor to the braised tofu. Finely chop the green onion and the Korean chili peppers. These will add a fresh, spicy element to the dish.
Step 2
Slice the tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Arrange the tofu slices snugly in the bottom of your pot or pan. This layering helps the seasoning distribute evenly and ensures consistent cooking.
Step 3
For the broth, using anchovy-kelp broth or rice rinse water would add more depth, but 1 cup of plain water (200ml) is perfectly fine. Evenly sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salted shrimp over the tofu. Salted shrimp is a key ingredient for boosting the tofu’s umami flavor.
Step 4
Next, add the main seasoning. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of coarse gochugaru evenly over the tofu. Instead of mixing a separate sauce, applying the seasonings directly onto the tofu simplifies the process and allows each ingredient’s flavor to shine. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce as well.
Step 5
Now, add the ingredients for sweetness and aroma. Using brown sugar instead of white sugar (1/3 Tbsp) will enhance the color and flavor. Sprinkle 1 pinch of ginger powder over everything. If you don’t have ginger powder, you can use finely minced fresh ginger or a tiny bit of ginger juice. Ginger adds a wonderful aroma and helps neutralize any potential tofu or shrimp flavors. (Ginger powder is optional).
Step 6
Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce. When the sauce has thickened slightly and the ingredients are well combined, drizzle 1 tablespoon of perilla oil over the top. The nutty aroma of the perilla oil beautifully complements the spicy sauce, completing this delicious tofu dish.
Step 7
This finished braised tofu makes an excellent side dish. It also pairs wonderfully with makgeolli (Korean rice wine) or a cold beer, serving as a fantastic appetizer or snack. Its spicy and savory notes are sure to whet your appetite.
Step 8
Braised tofu is one of my go-to dishes for dinner because it’s light yet satisfying. You can make it even more special by adding various ingredients like mushrooms, onions, or carrots. Be sure to savor the delightful combination of soft tofu and the savory, spicy sauce!
