Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu
Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu
Super Simple Braised Tofu Recipe with a Spicy Sauce
The ultimate side dish for when your appetite is lacking! Try braising tofu, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, in a special spicy and sweet sauce. It has a magical flavor that makes you finish a bowl of rice in no time. Since all the steps can be done in one pan, it reduces the cleanup burden, and even beginner cooks can successfully make delicious braised tofu. The savory yet slightly spicy sauce pairs wonderfully with rice, making it a hearty meal or a great accompaniment to drinks.
Basic Ingredients- 1 block Tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1 stalk Green Onion (white part mainly)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. **Prepare the Tofu:** Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5-2cm thick. Place the cut tofu on paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture. Optionally, sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt on the paper towels; this helps draw out more water and acts as a light seasoning, enhancing the flavor.
Step 2
2. **Make the Spicy and Sweet Sauce:** In a bowl, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, gochugaru, and sesame oil. Mix well to create the delicious sauce. You can adjust the amount of sugar or gochugaru to suit your preference for sweetness and spiciness.
Step 3
3. **Pan-fry the Tofu:** Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the prepared tofu pieces in the hot pan and fry them on both sides until golden brown and slightly crispy. Frying the tofu makes it firmer, preventing it from absorbing too much sauce and improving its texture.
Step 4
4. **Add Sauce and Simmer:** Gently push the fried tofu to one side of the pan. Pour the prepared sauce into the empty space. Once the sauce begins to bubble, add 1/3 cup of water between the tofu pieces. Let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan or basting the tofu with the sauce to ensure it’s evenly coated. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired for a beautiful finish. Your delicious braised tofu is ready!
