Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

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By Chris Joe

5 from 14 votes

Feb 24, 2023

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Korean Braised Tofu, or Dubu Jorim, is an extremely simple dish consisting of braised tofu in a delicious spicy, soy-based sauce. It comes together in just a few minutes and only requires one pan for a quick and flavorful side dish!

It’s an excellent side dish to go with rice or noodles, and is great served hot or cold! Despite it being a vegetarian dish, the tofu is quite meaty and filling and pairs wonderfully with the spicy, soy-based sauce.

The best part about this Korean Braised Tofu is that you can make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days. The tofu will further soak up the delicious sauce and it’ll taste even better!

Watch the Korean Braised Tofu Recipe Video Below!

Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) - CJ Eats Recipes (2)

Ingredients You’ll Need For Korean Braised Tofu

To make Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim), you’ll only need a few ingredients:

  • Firm Tofu
  • Light Soy Sauce
  • Water
  • Gochugaru (Korean chili flake)
  • Sugar
  • Sesame Oil
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Garlic
  • Scallion
  • Netural Oil

The recipe calls for 1 tbsp of gochugaru per 1 14-oz package of firm tofu. For me, this was about a 6 out of 10 on the spice scale, so you can adjust the amount of chili pepper flakes according to your taste.

My Key Ingredient Tips For Korean Braised Tofu

INGREDIENTS TIPS

GOCHUGARU
Gochugaru is Korean red chili pepper flakes (or powder, depending on which version you purchase). It’s vibrant in color and smoky in flavor, and while the heat level varies, it’s definitely on the spicy side. I love using this ingredient because of the layers of flavor it adds! I recommend you adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance level.

LIGHT vs. DARK SOY SAUCE
I get this question all the time and yes, they’re different! Dark soy sauce is thicker, darker, and sweeter (as well as has a higher sodium content) than regular (light) soy sauce. Ensure you are using light soy sauce for this recipe!

NEUTRAL OIL
My favorite neutral oil is avocado oil, but you can also use canola or vegetable oil here as well! These oils are neutral in flavor (unlike olive oil) and have a high smoke point.

Prepare Your Tofu

Cut your tofu into 1/2″ to 1″ thick rectangles and pat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. I prefer my pieces a little on the thicker side so I can get more color on them when searing them in the pan!

Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) - CJ Eats Recipes (3)

Mix the Braising Sauce

Next, you’ll want to mix together your braising sauce, which consists of soy sauce, water gochugaru, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, chopped garlic and scallions. Mix this together in a small both and put this next to your pan along with your prepared tofu.

Preheat 2 tbsp of oil over medium high heat in a non-stick pan and you’re ready to cook!

Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) - CJ Eats Recipes (4)

Once the oil has preheated over medium high heat, gently add your tofu to the pan. Pan fry the tofu for 2 minutes per side until they are golden brown all over. If you want to be extra thorough, you can also pan fry the shorter sides as well!

After the tofu is golden brown on all sides, reduce the heat to medium and add the braising sauce. Braise the tofu for 5-6 minutes over medium heat, spooning the sauce over the tofu as it continues cooking. You’ll see that the sauce will start to thicken up and reduce, which will create a beautiful pan sauce to spoon over your tofu!

Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) - CJ Eats Recipes (5)

My Top Recipe Tips for Korean Braised Tofu

RECIPE TIPS

FIRM TOFU
I highly recommend you use firm tofu for this recipe! Since the tofu is pan fried and then braised, you’ll want to use firm tofu so the pieces hold up their shape by the end.

After the tofu is golden brown on all sides, reduce the heat to medium and add the braising sauce. Braise the tofu for 5-6 minutes over medium heat, spooning the sauce over the tofu as it continues cooking. You’ll see that the sauce will start to thicken up and reduce, which will create a beautiful pan sauce to spoon over your tofu! Serve this hot or cold with a freshly steamed bowl of rice!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Korean recipes below!

  • Korean Cucumber Salad
  • Korean Bean Sprout Side Dish
  • Korean Broccoli Salad
  • Korean Spinach Salad
  • Korean Braised Potatoes
Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) - CJ Eats Recipes (6)

5 from 14 votes

Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim)

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Save

Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) - CJ Eats Recipes (7)

This Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) is lightly pan fried then braised in a super flavorful, soy-based sauce!

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Cut tofu lengthwise into 1/2" thick pieces.

  • In a bowl, mix soy sauce, water, gochugaru, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seed, garlic, and scallions.

  • In a medium pan, heat 2 tbsp of neutral oil over medium high heat. Pan fry tofu 2 minutes per side until golden brown on each side.

  • Add sauce and braise the tofu for 5-6 minutes over medium heat until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly. Serve with steamed rice and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 8gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 3377mgPotassium: 355mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 2493IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Korean

Tried this recipe?Mention @cj.eats_ or tag #cjeatsrecipes!

Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) - CJ Eats Recipes (8)

About CJ

I’m a third generation Chinese-American home cook who has always loved cooking & eating! Welcome to my food blog, where you can find trusted, tested, easy & approachable recipes for the everyday home cook that taste delicious! I am so glad you're here!

Read more about me

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Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is braised tofu healthy? ›

Besides being delicious, all the ingredients in this dish are loaded with health benefits. The braised tofu is a great protein source, low in fat and naturally gluten-free.

What does braised tofu mean? ›

Braising = perfectly cooked tofu.

Step 1: Pan-fry or deep fry tofu until the pieces are golden brown and crisp. While deep frying produces excellent results, I found that pan-frying tofu first works very well and is more suitable for most home cooks. Step 2: Simmer the crispy tofu in a flavor-rich sauce.

What is Korean tofu made of? ›

tofu, soft, relatively flavourless food product made from soybeans. Tofu is an important source of protein in the cuisines of China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. It is believed to date from the Han dynasty (206 bce–220 ce). Tofu is made from dried soybeans that are soaked in water, crushed, and boiled.

What pairs well with tofu? ›

There's lot of different sides that go well with tofu. Tofu is a versatile plant-based protein source that can be eaten with grains (rice, quinoa, barley, and more), pasta, veggies (stir fry, air fried, roasted, and more), on top of salads, and in buddha bowls.

What is the downside of eating too much tofu? ›

The significant disadvantages of Tofu may cause allergies in some people. The symptoms of soy allergies include skin rash, inflammation, itching, fainting, breathing difficulty, abdominal pain and throat swelling. In rare scenarios, Tofu may cause osteoporosis and estrogen-related cancer.

Is there anything unhealthy about tofu? ›

Is tofu actually healthy? If you consider its minerals and vitamins alone, tofu is a healthy choice for people to consider, says Mok. But “a misconception is how soy impacts hormone levels,” she says, “And [that] eating too much soy may be causing some health issues.” Mok says this is untrue.

Why do people eat tofu instead of meat? ›

Tofu is rich in nutrients, contains all essential amino acids and is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Its adaptability allows for use in diverse dishes, whether as a meat substitute in vegetarian meals, blended into smoothies, or grilled, baked or stir-fried for added protein in a range of recipes.

Does braised mean fully cooked? ›

Braising is a combination cooking method that uses both dry- and moist-heat techniques to break down tough cuts of meat over a long period of time. You start by searing the food in a small amount of oil to caramelize the outside, browning and crisping up the exterior without cooking the meat all the way through.

What's the difference between fried tofu and tofu? ›

Fried tofu is exactly what it sounds like: squares of tofu fried and pre-packaged for your easy consumption. It's not as crispy as you might suspect, nor is it as compact and crumbly as firm tofu, but instead has a spongy, airy texture perfect for absorbing sauces.

Can I eat too much tofu? ›

Similarly, the American Cancer Society sees no dangers from eating soy. "For the vast majority of people, it should be reasonable to incorporate tofu in their daily diet without any issues," Sun said. He and his family eat "probably three servings per week," Sun said.

Why do Koreans love tofu? ›

Tofu, or dubu in Korean, is seen on many Korean dramas, often as something offered to someone in jail or part of a soup or stew at a restaurant. Traditionally, its white color signifies purity, innocence, a new beginning for criminals not to reoffend and the hope of a life free from crime.

Why do Asians love tofu? ›

Much of tofu's early use in East Asia was as a vegetarian substitute for meat and fish by Buddhist monks, especially those following Zen Buddhism. The earliest Japanese document concerning tofu refers to the dish being served as an offering at the Kasuga Shrine in Nara in 1183.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

don't mix tofu and spinach | VegWeb.com, The World's Largest Collection of Vegetarian Recipes.

Is it OK to eat eggs with tofu? ›

Quick, easy, and healthy, Tofu and Eggs is the perfect meal for any weeknight dinner!

Can you eat eggs and tofu together? ›

By stretching an egg with a little tofu, you reduce the cholesterol and saturated fat. Try tucking it into a whole-wheat pita pocket for a simple and satisfying breakfast sandwich-and a healthful alternative to fast-food fare.

What is the healthiest form of tofu? ›

Silken tofu contains only about half the calories and fat, while firm tofu contains over twice the protein. The reason for this is water content.

How many calories are in braised tofu? ›

⅓ cup of braised tofu (Hodo Soy Beanery) contains 110 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 15% carbs, 25% fat, and 60% protein. This is a good source of protein (29% of your Daily Value), fiber (14% of your Daily Value), and calcium (20% of your Daily Value).

How many calories are in Chinese braised tofu? ›

Results for "Chinese Braised Tofu"

Other sizes: 1 serving - 225kcal, 100 g - 151kcal, 1 oz - 43kcal, more...

Does cooking tofu destroy nutrients? ›

It also contains trypsin inhibitors, which interfere with the digestion and absorption of protein. Fortunately, this should not be much of a concern for most people, as soaking, sprouting, cooking and fermenting tofu can significantly slash the antinutrient content.

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