Sweet & Savory Perfection! Super Easy Braised Tofu in Soy Sauce
Perfect for Chuseok! Easy Soy Sauce Braised Tofu That Will Make You Want More Rice
Introducing ‘Braised Tofu in Soy Sauce’, a delightful dish you can make using tofu and vegetables from your fridge. It’s the ultimate side dish for rice! The perfect balance of salty and sweet makes it incredibly addictive. It’s a fantastic option for Chuseok holiday feasts and can be easily enjoyed any day.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block (about 350-400g) firm tofu
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 onion
- 1 stalk green onion
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 150ml water
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup (or honey/oligo syrup)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
- 150ml water
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup (or honey/oligo syrup)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables. Remove the seeds from the red and yellow bell peppers and chop them into bite-sized pieces, about 1cm square. Slice the onion similarly. Chop the green onion diagonally.
Step 2
Cut the tofu into pieces about 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Place the cut tofu on paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture from both sides. Lightly season the top of the tofu with salt and pepper. This step helps the tofu absorb more flavor and become tastier.
Step 3
Heat a suitable amount of cooking oil in a pan. Carefully place the prepared tofu pieces in the hot oil. Pan-fry each side until golden brown over medium-low heat. It’s important to cook slowly to prevent the tofu from breaking or burning, as it can brown quickly.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to make the delicious sauce. In a bowl, combine 150ml of water, 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Lastly, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth and lump-free. Add this cornstarch slurry to the sauce mixture and stir well until everything is combined. This cornstarch slurry will help the sauce thicken and cling to the tofu beautifully.
Step 5
Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and green onion to the prepared sauce and mix gently. This allows the vegetables to start absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
Step 6
Prepare a wide pan or pot. Arrange the pan-fried tofu pieces neatly at the bottom. Pour the sauce mixture with the vegetables over the tofu. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. As it simmers, gently shake the pan or spoon some of the sauce over the tofu occasionally, ensuring the tofu is evenly coated and infused with flavor. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.
Step 7
Once the tofu has absorbed the sauce and the sauce has reduced to a desirable consistency, turn off the heat. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for added aroma and flavor, and give it a gentle stir to combine.
Step 8
Transfer the braised tofu to a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Your incredibly simple and delicious Soy Sauce Braised Tofu is ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice!
