If you are looking for a comforting yet vibrant dish that perfectly balances spice, umami, and a satisfying texture, the Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) Recipe is absolutely a must-try. This dish takes simple firm tofu and elevates it with a rich, flavorful sauce that seeps into every bite, delivering a delightful combination of savory soy, toasty sesame, and a gentle kick from gochugaru. It’s quick to make, incredibly nourishing, and a fantastic way to enjoy tofu whether you are new to Korean flavors or a longtime fan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of readily available ingredients that come together to create layers of taste and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the silky but firm tofu that holds its shape to the punchy, aromatic sauce that brings the dish alive.
- Firm tofu (14oz): The star of the dish, it should be well-pressed to achieve a perfect golden crust when pan-fried.
- Light soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds saltiness and umami depth without overpowering the delicate tofu.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps dilute the sauce slightly, ensuring it’s not too intense but beautifully balanced.
- Gochugaru (1 tbsp): Korean red chili flakes that give just the right amount of smoky heat to the sauce.
- Sugar (1/2 tbsp): Balances the savory and spicy flavors with a subtle touch of sweetness.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Imparts a nutty aroma that’s essential in Korean cooking.
- Sesame seeds (1/2 tbsp): Added for texture and an extra nutty crunch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings vibrancy and depth to the sauce.
- Scallion (1, finely chopped): Fresh and bright, it contributes color and a mild onion flavor.
- Neutral oil (2 tbsp): Ideal for pan-frying tofu without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
First things first, drain the tofu well and gently pat it dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial because removing excess moisture helps the tofu fry up with a crispy, golden crust instead of steaming. Slice the tofu lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick pieces—this size is just perfect to soak up the sauce without falling apart.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While prepping tofu might already excite you, the sauce is where the magic happens. In a small bowl, whisk together light soy sauce, water, gochugaru, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, minced garlic, and sliced scallions. This combination balances savory, spicy, nutty, and sweet notes that make each bite unforgettable. The sauce will infuse the tofu with bold layers of flavor during braising.
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Tofu
Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil over medium-high heat in a pan. Carefully place the tofu slices in the pan and fry them for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they turn beautifully golden brown. Flip each piece gently and allow the other side to crisp up for another 2 to 3 minutes. This golden crust creates a wonderful contrast with the silky inside of the tofu.
Step 4: Braise the Tofu with Sauce
Once your tofu is perfectly pan-fried, pour in the prepared sauce and reduce the heat to medium. Let the tofu braise in the sauce for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally if you like, until the sauce thickens a bit and clings to the tofu pieces. The tofu will absorb those sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra sesame seeds or finely chopped scallions can elevate your presentation and texture. These simple garnishes add a fresh pop of green and a subtle crunch, making every bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
This Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) Recipe shines when paired with a bowl of steaming white rice, which soaks up all the delicious sauce. For a more traditional Korean meal, serve alongside kimchi, sautéed spinach, or seasoned bean sprouts to create a satisfying and balanced spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, layer the tofu over a bed of warm noodles or thinly sliced cucumbers for a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, use the braised tofu as a protein topping for bibimbap or in a bento box for a colorful Korean-inspired lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its flavor and texture nicely for up to 3 days, making for an excellent ready-to-eat meal or snack.
Freezing
To freeze, place the tofu and its sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Frozen, it can last up to one month without significant loss of flavor. Just be aware that freezing may slightly change the texture of the tofu, making it a bit softer upon reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, allowing the sauce to re-absorb into the tofu. You can also microwave leftovers, but be sure to cover to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use soft tofu instead of firm tofu in this Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) Recipe?
Soft tofu is much more delicate and likely to break apart during pan-frying and braising, so firm tofu is strongly recommended to achieve the best texture and presentation.
Is gochugaru very spicy?
Gochugaru has a mild to moderate heat level with a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. It adds warmth without overwhelming the dish, but you can adjust the amount to your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use plant-based neutral oil and no animal-based seasonings. It’s a wonderful protein-packed plant-based meal.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water during the braising step to help the sauce thicken faster and coat the tofu better.
What can I serve if I don’t want to use rice?
This Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) Recipe pairs well with noodles, quinoa, or even lettuce wraps if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly rewarding about making this Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) Recipe at home—you get a comforting, flavorful dish in just about 20 minutes that feels both wholesome and exciting. Whether you’re a tofu devotee or dipping your toes into Korean cuisine, this recipe is ready to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try and watch how a few simple ingredients come together to create something wonderfully crave-worthy.
Print
Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) is a flavorful and easy-to-make Korean side dish featuring firm tofu pan-fried to a golden brown and simmered in a spicy, savory sauce made from soy sauce, gochugaru, sesame oil, and garlic. This dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, salty, and nutty flavors and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 package of firm tofu (14 oz)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scallion, finely chopped
Cooking Oil
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Drain the tofu from its package and gently pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu lengthwise into pieces about 1/2 inch thick, ensuring even slices for uniform cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the light soy sauce, water, gochugaru, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, minced garlic, and finely chopped scallions. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Pan-Fry the Tofu: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Place the tofu slices carefully in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip each piece and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, achieving a crispy, golden exterior.
- Braise the Tofu: Pour the prepared sauce over the tofu in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and let the tofu braise for 5-6 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly, coating each piece with a flavorful glaze.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and tofu is well-coated, remove from heat. Serve the Korean Braised Tofu hot, ideally with steamed rice, for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Be sure to press the tofu well to prevent it from breaking during cooking and to help it absorb more sauce flavor.
- Gochugaru can be adjusted according to your spice tolerance; reduce or omit for milder flavor.
- You can add a splash of rice vinegar or a little grated ginger to the sauce for more depth if desired.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned pan for easier frying and flipping of tofu pieces.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
