Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu Recipe: A Korean Staple Side Dish
Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu Recipe: A Korean Staple Side Dish
How to Make Delicious Spicy Braised Tofu | The Ultimate Rice Side Dish
We’ve made everyone’s favorite popular side dish: braised tofu! This recipe is simple yet boasts a deep, rich flavor, perfect for accompanying rice. The savory and subtly umami taste will make you devour a bowl of rice in no time. This hearty dish is excellent for a meal or as a lunchbox side. Let’s get cooking!
Main Ingredients- 500g firm or regular tofu (firm is recommended)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 handful dried anchovies (gutted)
- 1 Korean chili pepper (Cheongyang pepper)
- 1/5 stalk green onion (scallion)
- 100ml water
Seasoning Sauce- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (for seasoning)
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar or white sugar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesil cheong)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (for seasoning)
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar or white sugar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesil cheong)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the 500g block of tofu into 2-3 cm thick pieces. Cutting them too thinly can cause them to break apart during cooking, so aim for a decent thickness. (Tip: Gently pat the tofu surface dry with a paper towel to prevent oil splattering while cooking.)
Step 2
If using dried anchovies for broth, remove their guts to avoid a bitter taste. To enhance flavor and remove any fishy smell, lightly toast the prepared anchovies in a dry pan or microwave them for about 30 seconds. (Tip: For microwaving, about 30 seconds per 100g is appropriate.)
Step 3
Chop the onion into thick slices. Finely chop or thinly slice the Korean chili pepper after removing the seeds. Slice the green onion diagonally for a nice appearance.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning sauce. In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp gochugaru, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp plum extract, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic.
Step 5
Add the gutted anchovies prepared in step 2 to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until the ingredients are well combined, ensuring there are no clumps. The anchovies will add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 6
Heat 1-2 Tbsp cooking oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent. The onions will release their sweetness, balancing the overall flavor.
Step 7
Once the onions are softened, arrange the sliced tofu evenly over the onions. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and chili peppers on top. This arrangement helps the sauce penetrate the tofu and vegetables evenly.
Step 8
Carefully spoon the seasoning sauce made in step 4 over the tofu and vegetables, ensuring it’s spread evenly. It’s important to cover everything without the sauce clumping in one spot.
Step 9
Pour about 100ml of water into the bowl used for the sauce to rinse out any remaining seasoning and add it to the pan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Gently swirl the pan or stir carefully with a spatula occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking and to ensure even flavor distribution.
Step 10
When the sauce has thickened and nicely coated the tofu, stir in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds just before turning off the heat. Your delicious braised tofu is ready! Serve it over warm rice for a delightful meal.
