Spicy & Savory Braised Tofu with Tuna
Spicy & Savory Braised Tofu with Tuna
The Perfect Combination: Deliciously Braised Tofu with Tuna
This is a spicy, savory, and deeply flavorful braised tofu dish with tuna that even picky eaters will love! It’s simmered down to a thick, rich sauce, perfect for mixing with rice for an incredibly satisfying meal. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe!
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu
- 1 can (approx. 150g) tuna, drained
- 1 stalk green onion
- 1/2 onion
- 2-3 chili peppers (e.g., Korean green chili or red chili, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (deulkireum)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Braising Sauce- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1/2 cup (100ml) water
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or similar)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce or tuna extract
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar (or corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1/2 cup (100ml) water
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or similar)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce or tuna extract
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar (or corn syrup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all the ingredients for your delicious braised tofu and tuna. For the canned tuna, be sure to drain off the oil.
Step 2
Slice the onion thinly or chop it roughly. Slice the green onions and chili peppers diagonally or thinly chop them. If you prefer a spicier dish, use Korean green chilies (cheongyang peppers).
Step 3
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients listed for the ‘Braising Sauce’ and mix well to create a flavorful sauce. Add the drained tuna to the sauce and gently toss to coat. This step allows the tuna to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 4
Cut the tofu into thick squares, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Gently pat the tofu pieces dry with paper towels. Drying the tofu helps it get nicely seared and absorb the sauce better without falling apart.
Step 5
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and add the perilla oil. Place the tofu pieces in the pan and pan-fry them until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. This searing step enhances the tofu’s texture and adds a nutty flavor.
Step 6
Arrange the pan-fried tofu pieces in a wide pan or pot. Evenly spread the seasoned tuna over the tofu. Pour the prepared braising sauce over everything. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Add the sliced onions and chili peppers, then continue to simmer, uncovered or covered, for another 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the sauce from drying out too much.
Step 7
Finally, add the sliced green onions and cook for another minute or so until they are tender. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in the sesame oil and sprinkle with black pepper and toasted sesame seeds for a fragrant finish. Your delicious braised tofu with tuna is now ready!
Step 8
This braised tofu with tuna is a simple dish that anyone can make successfully. Its addictive spicy, sweet, and savory taste makes it a true ‘rice thief’ – you’ll find yourself wanting more and more rice! Serve it hot over a bowl of steamed rice for a delightful meal.
