Spicy and Savory Braised Tofu with Doubanjiang
#TofuRecipe #BraisedTofu #DoubanjiangTofu #SpicySideDish #EasySideDish
This recipe features a deliciously spicy and savory braised tofu, elevated with the robust flavor of Doubanjiang. It’s the perfect side dish that can last in your refrigerator for over a week, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Instead of a typical soy sauce base, we’re using Doubanjiang for a richer, more complex, and slightly spicy taste. Get ready to add another must-have to your rice meal repertoire!
Main Ingredients
- 2 blocks Tofu
- 1 tsp Coarse salt
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 Tbsp Green onion (chopped)
- 1 tsp Sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the key to this delicious braised tofu: the seasoning mix. In a bowl, combine the Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), minced garlic, chopped green onions, grated ginger, Doubanjiang, soy sauce, and mirin.
Step 2
Add the honey for a touch of sweetness and complexity, and finally, sprinkle in the black pepper. Mix everything well until thoroughly combined. Your flavorful seasoning sauce is now ready!
Step 3
While you can pan-fry the tofu, we’ll try a blanching method to make it firmer and more receptive to the sauce. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 teaspoon of coarse salt. Carefully place the tofu blocks into the boiling water and blanch for about 3 to 5 minutes. This process removes excess water, making the tofu firmer and allowing it to absorb the sauce beautifully. (Tip: This blanching technique is also useful when you need to drain water from ingredients, like for dumpling fillings.)
Step 4
After blanching, rinse the tofu gently under cold running water. Then, cut the tofu into generous, bite-sized pieces, about 2 to 3 cm thick.
Step 5
Now, let’s start braising. Arrange the cut tofu pieces evenly on the bottom of a pot. This prevents the tofu from sticking to the bottom while it cooks.
Step 6
Next, layer the thinly sliced onion over the tofu. You can add other vegetables if you like, but for this recipe, the onion provides a wonderful subtle sweetness and aroma on its own.
Step 7
Pour the prepared seasoning mix evenly over the tofu and onions. Add 1 cup of water (about 200ml) and the natural seasoning powder (or anchovy broth). (Tip: The seasoning mix should taste slightly saltier than you’d prefer for direct consumption, as the tofu will absorb the saltiness and balance it out.) Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 8
After 10 minutes, lower the heat to low and let it simmer gently until the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency. Cover the pot while it simmers. Once the sauce has reduced significantly, remove the lid, scatter the chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. When the tofu is thoroughly coated and glossy with the sauce, turn off the heat and drizzle with sesame oil for a final touch of aroma. Your delicious braised tofu is ready!
Step 9
And there you have it – a perfectly braised tofu with a delightful spicy and savory kick from the Doubanjiang! This simple yet satisfying side dish is incredibly comforting and pairs wonderfully with a cold drink, like makgeolli. Make your mealtime more exciting with this flavorful and irresistible tofu dish!
