Dubu Jorim (Korean Braised Tofu)
Dubu Jorim, or Korean Braised Tofu, is a comforting dish that highlights the versatility of tofu in Korean cuisine. I love how this recipe transforms a simple block of tofu into a dish bursting with flavor. The tofu is first pan-fried to a golden crisp, creating a satisfying contrast to the tender interior. Then, it’s simmered in a savory and slightly sweet sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of gochujang (Korean red pepper flakes) for a gentle kick of heat.
This dish is perfect for those looking for a hearty, plant-based meal or an easy-to-make side dish that pairs well with rice and other Korean favorites. Dubu Jorim is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a nutritious choice for any meal. The best part? It’s a dish that you can prepare in under 30 minutes, yet it tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
Dubu Jorim is a staple in many Korean households, and once you try it, you’ll see why. It’s a dish that’s both humble and full of depth, offering a taste of the comforting flavors that define Korean home cooking.
What is Dubu Jorim?
Background: Dubu Jorim (두부조림) is a popular Korean side dish (banchan) made by braising tofu in a savory, slightly spicy sauce. In Korean cuisine, banchan refers to the array of small side dishes served alongside the main meal, and Dubu Jorim is a common fixture on the table.
This dish showcases the versatility of tofu, transforming it into a flavorful and satisfying component of any meal. The tofu absorbs the rich sauce during the braising process, making each bite deeply flavorful.
It’s often enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice and other banchan, contributing to a well-rounded and nutritious meal. Dubu Jorim is particularly loved for its simplicity and its ability to enhance the overall dining experience.
Taste Profile: Dubu Jorim has a savory flavor profile with layers of complexity. The base of the dish is soy sauce, which gives it a deep umami taste, while garlic adds aromatic richness.
The gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) provides a mild heat that’s balanced by the sweetness of honey, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The sesame oil adds a nutty, toasted aroma, and the garnish of sesame seeds and green onions offers a fresh, crisp contrast. The tofu itself, with its soft interior and lightly crisped edges, absorbs all these flavors, making the dish both comforting and satisfying with every bite.
Key Ingredients for Dubu Jorim
(Korean Red Pepper Flakes). Gochugaru is an essential spice in Korean cuisine, providing a mild heat and deep red color to the dish. In Dubu Jorim, it adds a subtle spiciness that balances beautifully with the other flavors.
Firm tofu is the star of this dish, offering a satisfying texture that holds up well during the braising process. It absorbs the savory sauce, making each bite flavorful and hearty.
Soy sauce is the base of the braising sauce, imparting a rich umami flavor that’s both salty and savory. It’s a key component that ties all the ingredients together.
Vegetable oil is used to lightly fry the tofu before it’s braised. This step gives the tofu a slightly crisp exterior, which contrasts nicely with its soft interior.
Sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic richness to Dubu Jorim. It’s used both in the braising sauce and as a finishing touch, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Honey provides a touch of sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements of the dish. It also helps to create a glossy finish on the tofu.
Toasted sesame seeds are sprinkled on top of the finished dish, adding a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sesame oil.
Water is added to the braising sauce to help the tofu absorb all the flavors while ensuring the sauce isn’t too thick or overpowering.
Green onions are used both in the braising sauce and as a garnish. They add a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens up the dish.
Garlic is minced and added to the braising sauce, providing a pungent, aromatic depth that enhances the overall savory profile of Dubu Jorim.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, ½ tablespoon of honey, and ½ to 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) with ½ cup of water. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 sliced green onion. Stir until well combined and set aside.
Cook the Tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 block of firm tofu, cut into thick slices. Pan-fry the tofu slices until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Braze the Tofu: In the same skillet, pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. Add the fried tofu slices back into the skillet. Cook the tofu in the sauce, occasionally spooning the sauce over the tofu, until the sauce has thickened and coats the tofu, about 5-7 minutes.
Finish and Garnish: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the tofu and stir gently to distribute the oil evenly. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the tofu for added texture and flavor. Serve the Dubu Jorim hot, garnished with extra sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and savory Dubu Jorim!
Serving Suggestions
- With Steamed Rice: Serve Dubu Jorim alongside a bowl of steamed rice. The rice helps to balance the rich flavors of the braised tofu and makes for a complete meal.
- As a Side Dish: This dish can be a flavorful side dish to accompany other Korean staples like Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew) or Bibimbap.
- With Vegetables: Pair it with a side of sautéed or steamed vegetables for a nutritious and well-rounded meal.
- Garnished: Top with additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and freshness.
Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of gochugaru based on your preferred spice level. For a milder dish, use less; for extra heat, increase the quantity.
- Sweetness: Substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar if preferred. Each will give a slightly different sweet note to the dish.
- Add-ins: You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the braising sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Ensure the honey is replaced with a vegan alternative like agave syrup for a completely plant-based dish.
- Texture: For a crisper tofu texture, pan-fry the tofu slices until golden brown before adding them to the braising sauce. This step enhances the texture and adds a delightful crunch.
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