This Korean Braised Tofu is a quick, healthy, and flavorful plant-based dish. Golden, crispy tofu is simmered in a savory, slightly spicy soy-based sauce with garlic, scallions, sesame oil, and korean chili flakes. Ready in just 25 minutes, it can be served as a side dish or a main with rice, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Equipment
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Spatula or tongs
Ingredients
Pan Fried Tofu
- 700 g firm tofu
- 2 tbsp canola oil
Spicy Sauce
- 1/3 cup tamari soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 cup water
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp gochugaru
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 scallions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 3 fresh green chilli
- parsley to garnish
Instructions
- First prepare the sauce. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, water, sugar, gochugaru, minced garlic, scallions, sesame seeds and chillies. Adding chillies are optional if you would like extra heat. Set the sauce aside.
- Drain tofu and pat dry. Cut into rectangular pieces.
- Heat canola oil in a pan over low-medium heat. Fry tofu on both sides until golden brown.
- Add the sauce into the pan of tofu on low heat. Coat all pieces evenly in the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, scallions or parsley.
- Serve with steamed rice or on its own and enjoy!
Notes
- Tofu choice matters: Use firm or extra-firm tofu to prevent it from breaking while frying and braising.
- Pat dry: Make sure to pat the tofu dry with a paper towel before frying to get a golden, crispy crust.
- Oil options: Canola oil is recommended for frying, but avocado, grapeseed, or olive oil can be used as other healthier alternatives.
- Spice adjustments: Adjust the amount of gochugaru and chilies depending on your preferred heat level.
- Gochugaru substitute: If you don’t have gochugaru, use gochujang (Korean chili paste). Just reduce the sugar slightly and add a splash of water to maintain the sauce consistency.
- Adjust sauce consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick or the tofu looks dry while simmering, add a splash of water and gently stir to coat the tofu evenly.