The Best Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) – Savory, Spicy & Ready in 15 Minutes

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and simmered in a rich, savory, and slightly spicy soy-chili sauce, Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) is an absolute classic banchan. It’s budget-friendly, incredibly flavorful, and pairs wonderfully with a warm bowl of rice.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Side Dish (Banchan)

Cuisine korean

Servings 4 people

Calories 145 kcal

Equipment

Frying Pan
Small Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

1 block tobu about 400g / 14 oz firm tofu
2 tbsp cooking oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Korean red pepper flakes gochugaru
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp chopped green onion
1 tsp sugar or honey
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp sesame seeds
1/3 cup water
Optional: 1/2 sliced red or green chili pepper for extra heat

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the firm tofu into uniform pieces about 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) thick. Pat them dry completely with paper towels to prevent oil splattering and ensure a nice crust.
Step 2: Heat the cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the tofu slices for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, gochugaru, minced garlic, sugar, water, and sliced chili peppers to create the sauce.
Step 4: Pour the sauce directly over the pan-fried tofu in the skillet.
Step 5: Simmer over medium-low heat for about 3–5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the tofu frequently so it absorbs all the rich flavors.
Step 6: Turn off the heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

💡 Pro Tips:

Patting the tofu dry before frying is the secret to getting a great crispy exterior that holds up well in the sauce.
Firm or extra-firm tofu works best because it won’t break apart easily during pan-frying and braising.

📦 Storage & Reheating:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water, or microwave for 30–40 seconds.

🌿 Variations:

Omit the gochugaru (red pepper flakes) and use a bit more soy sauce and a splash of mirin for a non-spicy, kid-friendly version.
Layer sliced onions or zucchini underneath the tofu before pouring the sauce for added sweetness and texture.

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Keyword Dubu Jorim, Easy Tofu Recipe, Korean Banchan, Korean Braised Tofu, Quick Korean Recipe, Spicy Braised Tofu, Tofu Side Dish

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The Best Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) – Savory, Spicy & Ready in 15 Minutes