Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu: The Ultimate Rice Companion
Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu: The Ultimate Rice Companion
Master the Art of Deliciously Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu for an Unforgettable Meal!
Tired of wondering what to cook for dinner? Look no further than this irresistible Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu! This dish is a true ‘rice thief,’ guaranteed to disappear quickly from your table. With a generously prepared sauce, this tofu dish will make any meal feel complete. Enjoy a satisfying and flavorful dish with just one block of tofu!
Main Ingredients- 2 blocks Firm Tofu (approx. 600g)
- Perilla oil or cooking oil, generous amount (for frying tofu)
Spicy & Sweet Braising Sauce- 1/2 Onion
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce (adjust if using Korean soup soy sauce)
- 4 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes; adjust for spice level)
- 4 Tbsp Water
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp Plum Extract (or plum juice)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup or sugar)
- 2 Scallions (chopped for garnish)
- Sesame seeds, a pinch (for garnish)
- 1/2 Onion
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce (adjust if using Korean soup soy sauce)
- 4 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes; adjust for spice level)
- 4 Tbsp Water
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp Plum Extract (or plum juice)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup or sugar)
- 2 Scallions (chopped for garnish)
- Sesame seeds, a pinch (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing two blocks of fresh firm tofu. Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein, offering a wonderfully mild and smooth texture!
Step 2
Cut the tofu into thick slices, about 2-3 cm (approximately 1 inch) thick. Slicing them too thinly might cause them to break apart during cooking. Thicker pieces maintain their texture and appearance beautifully.
Step 3
Gently pat the cut tofu slices with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. This step is crucial; it helps prevent oil splattering when frying and allows the sauce to penetrate the tofu more effectively. No need to season the tofu separately!
Step 4
Heat a frying pan with a generous amount of perilla oil (or cooking oil) over medium heat. Carefully place the tofu slices in the pan and fry until golden brown on both sides. Frying them until a beautiful golden color develops adds a nutty flavor and a delightful crispiness. Cook them slowly over medium heat for the best results.
Step 5
Now, let’s create the amazing Spicy & Sweet Braising Sauce! In a bowl, combine 4 Tbsp soy sauce, 4 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp mirin, 2 Tbsp plum extract, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp oligodang, and 4 Tbsp water. Mix everything well. You can adjust the amount of gochugaru to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
Step 6
Thinly slice half an onion. If you have red chili peppers or carrots on hand, julienning them and adding them to the sauce will enhance the dish’s visual appeal and nutritional value.
Step 7
Add the thinly sliced onion to the prepared sauce mixture and stir to combine. Finish by sprinkling some sesame seeds for an extra nutty aroma and flavor. Your delicious braising sauce is now ready!
Step 8
Arrange the golden-brown fried tofu slices neatly in a pan or pot. Pour the prepared Spicy & Sweet Braising Sauce evenly over the tofu. Ensure the sauce generously coats the tofu for optimal flavor infusion.
Step 9
Bring the sauce to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 7-8 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Slow simmering is key to achieving perfectly infused tofu. Just before finishing, sprinkle a generous amount of chopped scallions over the top for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Step 10
Voila! Your mouthwatering Spicy and Sweet Braised Tofu is ready. The savory yet sweet sauce perfectly coats the tender tofu, making it an absolute delight with a bowl of hot steamed rice. Enjoy every bite!
