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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.