Dubu Jorim – Korean Spicy Braised Tofu

Dubu Jorim (두부조림) is a traditional Korean spicy tofu dish often served as a condiment to be enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice to make up for a healthy meal. Here the Tofu is shallow fried and braised in the spicy sauce and then garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Korean hot pepper flakes, also traditionally known as Gochagaru has a deep red color to them which gives the sauce a vibrant red hue but it's not that spicy as it looks. Most of the Korean recipes use Gochagaru as a prominent spice.

CategoryDifficultyBeginner

Yields2 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time30 mins

Dubu Jorim Sauce
 1 tsp Sugar
 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
 1 tbsp Korean hot pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
 ½ cup Water
 Salt, as per taste
Making Dubu Jorim
 4 tbsp Oil
 500 g Tofu, firm & cut into 1/4 inch thick pieces
 1 Onion, medium
 3 Garlic cloves , chopped
 2 Green Onions, chopped
 1 tsp Sesame Oil
 ½ tsp Toasted Sesame seeds, garnish

1

In a bowl, Add in Sugar, Soy sauce, Salt, Korean hot pepper flakes, and water. Mix them all well and set them aside.

2

In a pan, heat some oil and start placing the tofu pieces and fry them till they turn golden brown on both sides, and set them aside.

3

Retain the oil in the pan, to the pan add the chopped Onions, and saute them till they turn golden brown. Later add Garlic and Green onions and saute them for 20 secs.

4

To this add the sauce that was prepared earlier and cook it till it reduces and becomes thick.

5

Add in the shallow fried tofu and braise them for a min till the tofu absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

6

Dubu Jorim is now ready. Garnish them with green onions and roasted sesame seeds.

Dubu Jorim

Ingredients

Dubu Jorim Sauce
 1 tsp Sugar
 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
 1 tbsp Korean hot pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
 ½ cup Water
 Salt, as per taste
Making Dubu Jorim
 4 tbsp Oil
 500 g Tofu, firm & cut into 1/4 inch thick pieces
 1 Onion, medium
 3 Garlic cloves , chopped
 2 Green Onions, chopped
 1 tsp Sesame Oil
 ½ tsp Toasted Sesame seeds, garnish

Directions

1

In a bowl, Add in Sugar, Soy sauce, Salt, Korean hot pepper flakes, and water. Mix them all well and set them aside.

2

In a pan, heat some oil and start placing the tofu pieces and fry them till they turn golden brown on both sides, and set them aside.

3

Retain the oil in the pan, to the pan add the chopped Onions, and saute them till they turn golden brown. Later add Garlic and Green onions and saute them for 20 secs.

4

To this add the sauce that was prepared earlier and cook it till it reduces and becomes thick.

5

Add in the shallow fried tofu and braise them for a min till the tofu absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

6

Dubu Jorim is now ready. Garnish them with green onions and roasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Dubu Jorim – Korean Spicy Braised Tofu

Tips

  • Choose the Right Tofu: Opt for firm tofu when making Dubu Jorim as it holds its shape better during frying and braising.
  • Prep the Sauce: Make sure to thoroughly mix the ingredients for the Dubu Jorim sauce in a bowl before cooking. Adjust the salt and spice levels according to your taste preferences.
  • Fry the Tofu Properly: When frying the tofu, ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the tofu pieces. Fry them until they are golden brown on both sides for a crispy texture.
  • Saute the Aromatics: Take your time to sauté the onions until they are golden brown. This helps to build flavor in the dish. Add the garlic and green onions towards the end to prevent them from burning.
  • Thicken the Sauce: Allow the sauce to reduce and thicken before adding the tofu back into the pan. This helps to intensify the flavors and ensures that the tofu absorbs the sauce well.
  • Braise the Tofu: Once the tofu is added back to the pan, braise it for a minute or so to allow it to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
  • Garnish Before Serving: Finish the dish by garnishing with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This adds freshness and texture to the final dish.
  • Serve with Rice: Dubu Jorim is traditionally served as a condiment with steamed rice. Enjoy it as part of a healthy and satisfying meal.

FAQs

Q. Can I use other types of tofu for this recipe?
A: While firm tofu is recommended for Dubu Jorim because it holds its shape well, you can experiment with other types of tofu if you prefer a softer texture. Just be aware that softer tofu may be more delicate and could break apart more easily during cooking.

Q. Is Dubu Jorim very spicy?
A: The level of spiciness in Dubu Jorim can be adjusted based on your preference. The Korean hot pepper flakes (Gochugaru) used in the recipe give the dish its spicy kick, but you can add more or less according to your taste. Additionally, you can omit or reduce the amount of hot pepper flakes if you prefer a milder version of the dish.

Q. Can I make Dubu Jorim ahead of time?
A: Dubu Jorim is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and fry the tofu in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and then finish cooking the dish when you’re ready to serve. Keep in mind that the tofu may lose some of its crispiness if stored for too long.

Q. How long does Dubu Jorim last?
A: Dubu Jorim is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Keep in mind that the texture of the tofu may change slightly upon reheating.

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