Tofu Simmered in Soy Sauce: A Delicious Korean Side Dish
Tofu Simmered in Soy Sauce: A Delicious Korean Side Dish
How to Make the Perfect Tofu Simmered Sauce
I made Tofu Simmered after a long time. This dish is best enjoyed warm, right after cooking, served in individual portions. It tends to lose its appeal when refrigerated and reheated, so I don’t make it often. Today, I decided to make a generous batch and enjoy it piping hot over rice, mashing the soft tofu with the savory sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying side dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
Main Ingredients- 500g firm tofu
- A pinch of salt (for blanching tofu)
- Cooking oil (for pan-frying)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
I used half of a 1kg package of firm tofu bought from the supermarket for this dish. Slice the tofu into 1 to 1.5cm thick pieces. Place the sliced tofu on a sieve for about 10 minutes to drain excess water. This helps prevent splattering when frying and makes the tofu firmer.
Step 2
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Carefully place the drained tofu slices into the hot oil.
Step 3
Pan-fry the tofu slices until they are golden brown on both sides. Frying the tofu beforehand prevents it from breaking apart easily during simmering and improves its texture. Set the fried tofu aside on a plate.
Step 4
In a deeper pan or pot, spread the chopped green onion evenly. Add all the sauce ingredients: gochugaru, minced garlic, sesame oil, cheongju, soy sauce, plum extract, sugar, and water. Whisk everything together until well combined, making sure there are no clumps of chili powder. Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat.
Step 5
Once the sauce is boiling, carefully arrange the fried tofu slices in a single layer in the pan, ensuring they don’t overlap. Spoon some of the simmering sauce over the tofu to help it absorb the flavors.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan or leave it uncovered, and let the tofu simmer. Baste the tofu with the sauce occasionally by tilting the pan and spooning the liquid over the top. This allows the tofu to fully absorb the delicious sauce flavors.
Step 7
Continue to simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly and is reduced to a desirable consistency. Be careful not to let it burn at the bottom. Gently handle the tofu to prevent it from breaking. Avoid simmering for too long, as this can make the tofu dry. Aim for a rich, slightly thickened sauce.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds generously over the top. The nutty aroma and flavor of the sesame seeds will complete this dish. Enjoy this comforting Tofu Simmered while it’s warm – it’s a perfect companion for a bowl of rice!
