Ready to Make Some Amazing Braised Tofu?

Hey everyone, today we're going to dive into making some delicious braised tofu. Sometimes, pan-fried tofu can feel a bit bland, right? That's why today, I'll show you how to elevate it with a simple sauce to create a side dish your whole family will love.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this tasty braised tofu:

• 1 block of tofu
• A small bunch of green onions
• 1/4 onion
• 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
• 1 tablespoon perilla oil (deulgireum)

First, finely chop the onion and green onions. The onion adds a subtle sweetness, while the green onions bring a fresh aroma that complements the mildness of the tofu. Make sure to chop them really small, almost like you would for fried rice. This helps them blend better into the sauce.

Whip Up the Sauce

Now, let's make the sauce! Mix together half a tablespoon of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, and half a tablespoon of red pepper flakes. Add the chopped onion and green onions you prepared earlier and mix well. This creates a flavorful sauce that enhances the tofu's natural taste without overpowering it.

Let the sauce sit for a bit. This allows the flavors of the onion, garlic, and green onions to meld beautifully with the soy sauce. It also mellows out the saltiness of the soy sauce and reduces any sharpness from the raw garlic and onions, making it a perfect match for the tofu.

Pan-Frying the Tofu

Gently pat your tofu dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then, place it in a preheated pan and start frying. Cook over medium-low heat. This slow cooking process will give the tofu a nice golden-brown crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist. Be careful not to use high heat, or the outside might burn before the inside is heated through.

Once the bottom of the tofu is golden brown, carefully flip it over. Drizzle about 1-2 tablespoons of perilla oil around the edges of the pan. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma as it coats the tofu. Keep the heat on medium-low and continue to cook, allowing the perilla oil's flavor to seep into the tofu, deepening its taste.

Glazing and Finishing Touches

When the tofu is nicely browned on both sides, evenly spoon the prepared sauce over the tofu pieces. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently for a short while, ensuring the sauce doesn't burn. This allows the sauce to cling beautifully to the tofu, infusing it with flavor.

Finally, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let it steam for about 2 minutes. This resting period uses the residual heat and steam to gently cook the onions and green onions in the sauce, mellowing their flavors and creating a perfectly tender braised tofu dish.

And there you have it! By making braised tofu this way, you transform a simple ingredient into a flavorful side dish with the rich tastes of soy sauce and perilla oil. It's incredibly easy to make and pairs wonderfully with rice. If you or someone in your family usually isn't a big fan of tofu, this recipe is a great way to get them to enjoy it. Give it a try!