Spicy Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) – One-Pan Wonder
Spicy Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) – One-Pan Wonder
A Flavorful and Spicy Dubu Jorim That Will Make You Devour Rice
Introducing a delicious Dubu Jorim recipe with a spicy and savory sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice. Pan-frying the tofu before braising gives it a chewier texture and prevents it from breaking apart, while keeping the inside wonderfully soft and moist. It’s incredibly easy to make in just one pan, making it an ideal dish for busy days! This ‘rice thief’ side dish is so addictive, you’ll finish your rice in no time. Try making it today!
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (sturdy type, recommended for frying)
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 Green Chilies (Cheongyang peppers recommended for spice)
- 1/2 Green Onion
- 1/2 cup Water (approx. 100ml)
- Vegetable Oil, for frying
- Sesame Seeds, for garnish
- Sesame Oil, a drizzle
Spicy Braising Sauce- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes; use 2 Tbsp for extra spice)
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce, for depth)
- 2 Tbsp Rice Syrup or Corn Syrup (for sweetness and shine)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Wine or Mirin (to remove any unwanted odors)
- 0.5 Tbsp Brown Sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (anchovy or sand lance, for umami)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes; use 2 Tbsp for extra spice)
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce, for depth)
- 2 Tbsp Rice Syrup or Corn Syrup (for sweetness and shine)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Wine or Mirin (to remove any unwanted odors)
- 0.5 Tbsp Brown Sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (anchovy or sand lance, for umami)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing all the ingredients for your delicious Dubu Jorim. Drain the tofu well, and wash all the vegetables.
Step 2
Slice the tofu into thick, bite-sized pieces, about 1.5-2cm thick. Slicing them a bit thicker will help prevent them from crumbling during the braising process and contribute to a better texture.
Step 3
Thinly slice the onion. Cut the green chilies diagonally, and do the same for the green onion to add color. If you prefer less heat, feel free to adjust the number of green chilies.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine all the braising sauce ingredients: gochugaru, minced garlic, soy sauce, guk-ganjang, rice syrup, cooking wine, brown sugar, fish sauce, and black pepper. Mix them thoroughly until well combined. Pre-mixing the sauce will save you time during cooking.
Step 5
Lightly oil a preheated pan over medium-low heat. Place the sliced tofu in a single layer and pan-fry until lightly golden brown on both sides. This step firms up the tofu, preventing it from breaking and enhancing its chewy texture.
Step 6
Pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over the pan-fried tofu. Add the 1/2 cup of water. Spread the ingredients out in the pan so the sauce can coat them evenly as it simmers.
Step 7
Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tofu to absorb the sauce. You can cover the pan or leave it uncovered depending on how quickly you want the sauce to reduce.
Step 8
Once the sauce has reduced by about half, add the sliced onion, diagonally cut green chilies, and green onion to the pan. Let them cook with the tofu and sauce, releasing their fragrant aromas.
Step 9
Continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, just until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Finish by turning off the heat, drizzling with sesame oil, and sprinkling with sesame seeds for an extra layer of nutty flavor. Your Dubu Jorim is ready!
Step 10
This lusciously braised tofu is the ultimate side dish for rice! The delightful combination of spicy sauce and tender tofu is truly a ‘rice thief,’ guaranteed to make you want seconds. Serve it hot over a steaming bowl of rice and enjoy!
