Korean Braised Tofu Recipe
Bring a world of flavor to your dinner table with Korean Braised Tofu, a classic comfort dish that’s equal parts satisfying, spicy, and savory! If you’re craving tofu that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and soaked through with a punchy, garlicky sauce, you’re in the right place. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into something irresistible, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy meal shared with friends. Trust me, after one bite, this will become a star in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is at the heart of Korean Braised Tofu. Each ingredient not only plays a key role in building flavor but also balances color and texture beautifully. Let’s break down every item you’ll need and why it matters!
- Firm Tofu: Holds its shape through pan-frying and absorbs all the sauce’s bold flavors.
- Neutral Oil: Perfect for creating that golden crust on your tofu without dominating the taste.
- Water: Helps create the silky base for the braising sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Delivers that quintessential umami punch and saltiness Korean Braised Tofu is known for.
- Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Flakes): Provides authentic heat and a gorgeous red color; adjust for preferred spice levels.
- Sesame Oil: Infuses the sauce with a toasty, nutty aroma that’s unmistakably Korean.
- Sugar: Rounds out the bite from the soy sauce and gochugaru, balancing all flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is the backbone of aroma, lending warmth and depth.
- Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and soft texture as it braises atop the tofu.
- Green Onion: A bright, crunchy finish when scattered on top of the finished dish.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Bring extra crunch and a subtle nutty pop to every bite.
How to Make Korean Braised Tofu
Step 1: Pat and Slice the Tofu
Start by draining your block of firm tofu and patting it dry with paper towels. This small step is surprisingly essential, making sure you get that irresistible crispy crust instead of a soggy mess. Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch thick slices for the perfect bite-size pieces that hold their shape during cooking.
Step 2: Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Gently lay in your tofu slices and let them sizzle undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden color and lightly crisp exterior—this simple move takes Korean Braised Tofu to the next level by locking in texture and flavor.
Step 3: Make the Flavorful Braising Sauce
Once your tofu is done, set it aside briefly and keep that pan handy. In the same skillet, combine water, soy sauce, gochugaru, sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and bring the sauce up to a gentle simmer. The aroma at this point is pure magic!
Step 4: Braise & Build Flavor
Return the tofu slices to the simmering sauce, nestling them evenly to soak up all the goodness. Scatter thinly sliced onion over top, and give everything a generous spooning of sauce. Let the tofu simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, allowing it to absorb the spicy, garlicky flavors while the sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Freshness
Turn off the heat and sprinkle your Korean Braised Tofu with chopped green onion and toasted sesame seeds. This final touch adds a burst of color, crunch, and freshness—every bite pops with flavor!
How to Serve Korean Braised Tofu
Garnishes
Finish each plate with an extra sprinkle of green onions and a shower of toasted sesame seeds. For a bright twist, toss on some thinly sliced red chili or a dash of black pepper—you’ll love how it looks and tastes!
Side Dishes
Korean Braised Tofu is happiest with a bowl of hot steamed rice to help soak up every drop of rich, spicy sauce. Pair it with quick pickled cucumbers, kimchi, or simple sautéed greens for a meal that really feels like home.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer tofu slices on a serving platter, drizzle over any extra sauce, and top with microgreens or fresh coriander for a restaurant-style flair. For parties, serve the tofu atop small rice cakes or skewer the squares for a fun, shareable appetizer—each bite tells a delicious story.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Korean Braised Tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and become even tastier after a night’s rest, making it a fantastic next-day lunch!
Freezing
While tofu itself can be frozen, the texture does change—it becomes chewier and sponge-like, which some people love. If you decide to freeze, cool the braised tofu completely, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, place the tofu and sauce in a skillet over low heat and warm gently until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of water to loosen it up again. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch!
FAQs
Can I use silken tofu for Korean Braised Tofu?
It’s best to stick with firm tofu for this recipe. Silken tofu is too delicate and will fall apart during frying and braising, but you could try extra-firm for an even sturdier texture.
What if I can’t find gochugaru?
If gochugaru isn’t available, you can substitute with sweet paprika plus a pinch of cayenne for some heat. The flavor will be less distinctly Korean, but it will still be truly delicious!
Is this recipe gluten free?
You can easily make Korean Braised Tofu gluten free by using tamari or a certified gluten free soy sauce. Always double-check your labels to ensure all ingredients fit your needs.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Definitely! Reduce the gochugaru or swap it for mild paprika if you prefer a gentler flavor profile—Korean Braised Tofu is super flexible and still delicious at any heat level.
What protein options pair well with this dish?
Korean Braised Tofu is hearty on its own, but you can round out your table by adding a simple egg omelet, sautéed mushrooms, or even grilled tempeh for extra plant-based protein.
Final Thoughts
Korean Braised Tofu is one of those rare recipes that always feels like the right choice—quick, deeply flavorful, and so warming. I hope you’ll give it a try, let your tastebuds be wowed, and maybe even share it with someone who could use a little extra comfort food magic this week!
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Korean Braised Tofu Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy the bold flavors of Korean cuisine with this delicious Korean Braised Tofu recipe. The tofu is pan-fried to perfection and then simmered in a flavorful sauce until tender and infused with savory and spicy notes. Perfect for a satisfying vegan meal!
Ingredients
Tofu:
- 1 block (400g) firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Pat the tofu dry and pan-fry until golden brown. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, combine water, soy sauce, gochugaru, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic. Simmer.
- Braise the Tofu: Return tofu to the pan, add onion slices, and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the gochugaru or substitute with sweet paprika.
- Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
