Mom's Style Braised Tofu

Ingredients

• 1.5 blocks Tofu (about 600g)
• Cooking oil (as needed for pan-frying)
• 0.5 Onion (sliced)
• 1 handful Green onions (chopped)
• 2.5 tbsp Soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Cooking wine (mirin or similar)
• 1 tbsp Tuna fish sauce
• 0.5 tbsp Garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
• 1 tbsp Allulose (or sugar)
• 100 ml Water
• Sesame oil (for drizzling)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Cut 1.5 blocks of tofu into desired bite-sized pieces.

2. 2

   Place the tofu pieces into a cold frying pan first, then drizzle with cooking oil. This technique helps minimize oil splattering.

3. 3

   Spread the oil evenly and pan-fry the tofu over medium heat until both sides are golden brown.

4. 4

   Thinly slice 0.5 an onion and layer it over the pan-fried tofu.

5. 5

   Add a handful of chopped green onions, 2.5 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp cooking wine, 1 tbsp tuna fish sauce, 0.5 tbsp minced garlic, 2 tbsp Korean chili flakes, 1 tbsp allulose (or sugar), and 100 ml of water to the pan.

6. 6

   Cover the pan with a lid and simmer over low heat for approximately 3 minutes until the onions are tender.

7. 7

   Drizzle with sesame oil, carefully flip the tofu pieces, and stir gently to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed.

8. 8

   Finish by garnishing with sesame seeds and serve.

Notes

Placing the tofu in the pan before adding the oil is a specific tip to minimize oil splatter. Tuna fish sauce (tuna extract) adds a deep umami flavor characteristic of modern Korean home cooking; it can be substituted with regular fish sauce or additional soy sauce if unavailable.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• side dish
• banchan
• tofu
• korean
• spicy
• pan-fried
• braised