Spicy Korean Braised Tofu

Ingredients

• 1 block (14 oz / 400g) firm tofu, cut into bite-sized cubes 1 block (14 oz / 400g) firm tofu, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish) 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 16g, 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the tofu cubes to the skillet and pan-fry until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to make the sauce.
4. 4.
   Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
5. 5.
   Add the pan-fried tofu back into the skillet and gently toss to coat the tofu with the sauce.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the tofu simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
8. 8.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tofu — Press the tofu before cutting it into cubes to remove excess moisture and ensure a crispier texture.
• Gochujang — Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Honey — For a vegan version, substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) to the sauce.
• Serve the Spicy Korean Braised Tofu with steamed rice and a side of kimchi for a complete Korean meal.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the simmering sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Korean Braised Tofu as a main dish with steamed rice and a side of your favorite vegetables. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a standout dish on any dining table.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pan-fried tofu cubes on a plate and drizzle the sauce over them. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an added pop of color. Serve with a side of steamed rice and kimchi to complete the presentation.