
Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu and Squid
Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu and Squid
Super Easy Braised Tofu and Squid Stir-fry Recipe
A delicious and quick tofu dish! Tofu dishes are best enjoyed hot, and this braised tofu and squid is a personal favorite of mine. By changing up the accompanying ingredients with seasonal vegetables, you can enjoy this dish 3-4 times a week without getting bored. The addition of a tablespoon of mala sauce adds a spicy yet deeply savory flavor.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 300g Squid (cleaned)
- 1.2 medium Onions
- 1/2 Scallion (Green Onion)
Sauce- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Mala Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Mala Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 2cm thick. Slice the onion into thick strips and diagonally slice the scallion. Handle the tofu gently to prevent it from breaking.
Step 2
Use 300g of cleaned, frozen squid. Using pre-cleaned squid makes cooking much faster! (If using fresh squid, remove the innards, peel the skin, and cut into appropriate sizes.)
Step 3
Let’s make the sauce for the braised tofu. In a bowl, combine 1 tsp sugar, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, 1 Tbsp mala sauce, 1 Tbsp gochujang, and 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic. Mix them well. The mala sauce adds a unique, deep flavor that differs from typical braised dishes.
Step 4
Heat 2 Tbsp cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the prepared scallions and onions and stir-fry until fragrant. Cooking until the onions become translucent and the scallions release their aroma will enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Step 5
Add the cleaned squid to the fragrant sautéed vegetables and stir-fry briefly until it turns opaque. Avoid overcooking the squid, as it can become tough. Cook just until the surface turns white.
Step 6
Arrange the prepared tofu pieces over the sautéed squid. Lay them out without overlapping so that the tofu can absorb the sauce evenly.
Step 7
Pour the pre-made sauce evenly over the tofu and squid. Spoon some sauce over everything to ensure all ingredients are coated. Cover the pan and simmer over medium-low heat for 7-8 minutes.
Step 8
Turn off the heat when the sauce has reduced to a savory glaze and all the ingredients are well-infused with flavor. If you prefer a saucier dish, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly. Avoid reducing it too much, or it might become dry.
Step 9
Transfer the finished braised tofu and squid to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor and a visually appealing finish. This makes a fantastic side dish for rice!

