Dubu jorim (braised tofu)

Dubu jorim (braised tofu) (Korean Bapsang)

Dubu jorim is a popular side dish, especially for home-packed school lunches. The tofu is panfried and then braised in a soy sauce-based sauce, transforming the tofu into a flavorful side dish. The gochugaru adds a bit of a spicy kick. Add more if you like more heat. It’s delicious, warm or cold. You’ll find that the tofu tastes even better the next day. 

Ingredients:
● 1 pack firm tofu (about 500 grams)

● 1 tablespoon vegetable/canola oil

For the sauce:

● 3 tablespoons soy sauce

● 3 tablespoons water

● 1 tablespoon sesame oil

● 1 teaspoon sugar

● 1 gochugaru (Korean red chili pepper flakes) 

● 1 teaspoon sesame seed

● 1 teaspoon minced garlic

● 2 scallions, finely chopped

Cut the tofu block into about 1-centimeter-thick rectangular pieces. Pat dry with a paper towel.

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick skillet. Carefully add the tofu pieces (tofu breaks easily), and sear over medium to medium-high heat until lightly golden brown (about 3-4 minutes each side).

Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by mixing all the ingredients together. Spoon the sauce over the tofu pieces. Slightly lift a side of the tofu pieces to get the sauce under them. Simmer for 3-4 minutes over medium-low heat. Flip them over and simmer for another minute or two. Serve warm or cold with a bowl of rice.