Hello, foodies! I’m Zara Tsoi, and I’m excited to share with you today my recipe for Korean-Inspired Tofu Delight. If you’re a fan of tofu and Korean cuisine, then this dish is going to be a real treat for your taste buds. The bold flavors of soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar are combined in perfect harmony to create a sweet and savory sauce that perfectly complements the tender braised tofu. The dish is easy to prepare and packed full of flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a fancy dinner party entrée. Trust me, this dish will amaze you!
Zara is a traveler at heart who was born in Hong Kong and raised in Toronto. She loves exploring new cultures, cuisines, and learning new languages. When she’s not traveling, you can likely find her in the kitchen or practicing martial arts.
Zara Tsoi currently resides in Canada and grew up in Hong Kong.
As someone born in Hong Kong and raised in Toronto, my love for food is rooted in my Asian heritage, and I grew up eating a variety of dishes that feature tofu in many different ways. Tofu is prominent in many Asian cuisines, and I’ve always been fascinated by how versatile it is as an ingredient. This Korean-Inspired Tofu Delight recipe blends a variety of flavors that I’ve grown up loving, and it’s a dish that I come back to again and again. I love being able to share Asian recipes with those who may not have tried them before or who want to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Tofu, in particular, is a great ingredient for those looking to incorporate more plant-based protein into their diets.
Korean-Inspired Tofu Delight is a dish that pays homage to the Korean braised tofu dish known as dubu jorim. Dubu jorim is a popular Korean side dish that’s often served as a banchan, or small side dish, and it’s made by braising tofu in a soy sauce-based sauce. Some versions of dubu jorim include ground meat, seafood, or vegetables, but I decided to keep it simple with just tofu. The trick to making this dish is in the sauce, which is a blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy ingredients. The soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil provide the base, while the red pepper flakes and brown sugar give it a kick of heat and sweetness. The dish is topped with black sesame seeds and chopped green onions, which add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Whether you’re a fan of tofu or not, this dish is a must-try!
What you need
This Korean-Inspired Tofu Delight is a recipe that’s sure to delight your tastebuds! With its unique blend of bold and savory flavors, this dish elevates tofu from boring to amazing. The secret is in the sauce – a combination of soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar that’s both sweet and spicy. The tofu is first pressed and sautéed for maximum texture and flavor, then braised in the sauce until it’s perfectly tender and melded with flavor. The dish is garnished with black sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve it over a bed of steaming rice or your favorite grain for a complete meal. The recipe is easy to follow and only requires a few basic ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a fancy dinner party. Whether you’re a tofu lover or a skeptic, this Korean-Inspired Tofu Delight is sure to win you over!
Ingredients:
- Extra Firm Tofu – The star of the dish and a great source of plant-based protein. Can also use firm tofu if extra firm is not available.
- Vegetable Oil – Used to sauté the tofu. Can substitute with canola or sunflower oil.
- Garlic – Adds a aromatic flavor to the dish. Can use garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
- Green Onions – Adds a fresh and mild onion flavor to the dish. Can substitute with regular onions.
- Soy Sauce – Adds a salty and umami flavor to the dish. Can use tamari or liquid amino acids for a gluten-free option.
- Rice Wine – Adds a sweet and acidic flavor to the dish. Can substitute with dry sherry or white wine.
- Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty and toasted flavor to the dish. Can substitute with peanut or vegetable oil.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a mild but flavorful heat to the dish. Can adjust to personal preference or omit if sensitive to spiciness.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors in the dish. Can substitute with maple syrup or honey for a vegan option.
- Water – Used to thin down the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick. Can substitute with vegetable broth for additional flavor.
- Black Sesame Seeds – Used as a garnish to add a nutty and aromatic flavor to the dish. Can substitute with white sesame seeds or omit if unavailable.
Utensils:
- Large Skillet – Used to cook the tofu evenly.
- Stirring/Serving Spoon – Used to stir the sauce and tofu and serve the dish.
- Measuring Cups – Used to measure precise amounts of ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons – Used to measure precise amounts of ingredients.
- Chef’s Knife – Used to chop the garlic and green onions.
- Cutting Board – Used to chop the garlic and green onions.
Extra Firm Tofu
Tofu has gotten something of a bad reputation for being bland and unappetizing, but don’t be fooled – in the right hands, it can be an incredibly versatile ingredient that adds protein and texture to countless dishes. For this recipe, I opted for extra firm tofu because it holds up better when braised, resulting in a satisfyingly chewy texture that’s complemented perfectly by the dish’s bold and flavorful sauce. Not only is tofu affordable and easy to find at most grocery stores, it’s also low in calories and high in protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking to up their protein intake without consuming too much fat or cholesterol. Plus, with all the different marinades and sauces you can pair it with, you could eat tofu every day of the week and never get bored!
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a go-to ingredient in many Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines (including Korean!), and for good reason – it adds a rich and nutty flavor that just can’t be replicated by other oils. Its bold taste can be used to enhance everything from stir-fries and dips to marinades and dressings. In this particular recipe, sesame oil is used to add depth to the sauce that the tofu is braised in. A little bit goes a long way, so be careful not to overpower the dish. Interestingly enough, sesame oil is also known for its numerous health benefits – in small quantities, it can aid in digestion and help reduce inflammation throughout the body. It’s also a good source of healthier fats, making it a great alternative to less healthy oils like vegetable or canola. So if you’re looking for a way to add flavor and nutrition to your dishes, sesame oil might just be the magic ingredient you’ve been missing!
What to serve it with?
I love serving my Korean-Inspired Tofu Delight with a side of steamed rice. The rice pairs perfectly with the savory and spicy flavors of the dish. But, what makes the rice even more special is that it reminds me of my childhood. Growing up, we always ate rice with every meal, and it was a staple in our household. My mother used to tell me that rice is the heart of every meal, and I believe that to this day. Steamed rice is a simple and versatile side dish that can enhance the flavors of any dish, and it’s a great way to fill you up without feeling too full. So, give it a try and see how it elevates the flavors of my Korean-Inspired Tofu Delight!
Summary
There you have it, my friends! My recipe for Korean-Inspired Tofu Delight. I hope you enjoyed learning about the rich flavors and easy preparation steps. As always, I’d love to hear from you. What’s your favorite dish featuring tofu, and how do you like to prepare it? Share your thoughts and recipes in the comments below. And please, give this recipe a try and let me know how it worked out for you. Tofu is an ingredient that’s often misunderstood or underappreciated, but when combined with the right flavors, the results can be truly amazing. I want to help change that perception, one recipe at a time. Thank you for joining me today, and I can’t wait to hear about all your delicious tofu creations!
Here’s the recipe:
Korean-Inspired Tofu Delight: Flavorful Braised Tofu Recipe with a Touch of Seoul
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Stirring/Serving Spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- chef's knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 16 oz Extra Firm Tofu
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 3/4 cup (chopped) Green Onions
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Rice Wine
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 tsp Black Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Press the Tofu - Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy object (such as a cast iron skillet or a couple of cans) on top of the wrapped tofu to press out any excess water. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. - Pressing the tofu is an important step to ensure it absorbs the maximum amount of flavor. If you're short on time, you can also drain it and pat it dry with paper towels instead.
- Cut the Tofu - Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside. -
- Make the Sauce - In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and water until well combined. - Make sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar; if you prefer it spicier, add more red pepper flakes.
- Sauté the Tofu - Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and sauté until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. - Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet so that the tofu can brown properly. If your skillet is not large enough, sauté the tofu in two batches instead.
- Add Garlic and Green Onions - Add the chopped garlic and green onions to the skillet with the tofu and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. - Stir the garlic and green onions constantly to prevent them from burning.
- Add the Sauce - Pour the sauce over the tofu and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the tofu braise in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. - Make sure to keep an eye on the tofu and stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. You can add more water or vegetable broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Garnish and Serve - Remove the lid and garnish the dish with black sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite grain. - The tofu can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
