Spicy Braised Tofu (Dubu-jorim)
Pan-fried tofu topped with a sweet-and-spicy sauce and simmered until glossy. A single block of tofu makes a hearty meal — mash it into rice with the sauce and wrap it in gim or kimchi for an extra treat. It's just right when you want something fiery after too much holiday food.
Ingredients
Main
- Tofu1 block
- Onion1/2
- Green onion1/2 stalk
- Cooking oil1/2 tbsp
- Perilla oil1 tbsp
Sauce
- Water100 ml
- Soy sauce4 tbsp
- Red chili powder2 tbsp
- Oyster sauce1/2 tbsp
- Minced garlic1 tbsp
- Sugar1 tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds1 tbsp
- Sesame oil1 tbsp
Directions
- 1
Set the tofu in a sieve and let it drain thoroughly.
- 2
Slice the onion thinly and chop the green onion into small pieces.
- 3
Mix the water, soy sauce, red chili powder, oyster sauce, minced garlic, sugar, toasted sesame seeds, and sesame oil to make the sauce.
- 4
Cut the tofu into thick, bite-sized pieces.
- 5
Heat 1/2 tbsp cooking oil and 1 tbsp perilla oil in a pan, add the tofu, and pan-fry until golden, about 1 minute per side.
- 6
Once the tofu is browned, add the prepared onion, green onion, and sauce, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- 7
Cover with a lid and simmer 1 more minute so the flavors soak in.
- 8
Transfer to a plate, and your spicy braised tofu is ready to serve.
Tips
Don't over-fry the tofu, or it loses its soft, fluffy texture — brown just the surface. The trick is to keep the inside tender so you can mash it into the sauce and mix it with rice.