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

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By Chris Joe

5 from 13 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 13 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

  • 1 package of firm tofu, package size is 14oz
  • 1/4 cup light soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp gochugaru
  • 1/2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 scallion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil

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

What is braised tofu made of? ›

Braised tofu is a popular side dish consisting of seared tofu slices simmered in a braising liquid. To make the dish, cooks sear tofu slices in a form of fat, usually vegetable oil, to develop a golden-brown crust, then simmer them in a seasoned, aromatic braising liquid until they become tender and juicy.

What is tofu called in Korea? ›

“tofu” in korean is 두부 (du-bu). An ingredient used in dishes such as 된장찌개 (doenjang jjigae), a stew with a lot of vegetables seasoned with fermented bean paste, and sometimes has a salty flavor.

What food goes 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. You can combine different sides to create a balanced meal of a protein, grain, and vegetable.

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 proteins (29% of your Daily Value), fiber (14% of your Daily Value), and calcium (15% of your Daily Value).

How long is braised tofu good for? ›

Cooked tofu will last for 4-5 days in the fridge. Just make sure to place it in a covered container and separate the sauce if there is. If you store cooked tofu with its sauce in it, it will no longer be crispy after.

What does it mean to braise tofu? ›

Step Two: Marinate. To”braise” a food means to fry it, then simmer in sauce in a closed container. Today we're skipping the frying aspect – mostly because my beloved store-bought tofu wasn't fried either. Don't worry though, we'll still be simmering our tofu in a mouth-watering marinade that's surprisingly simple!

What is jorim in Korean? ›

Jorim (Korean: 조림) is a category of dishes in Korean cuisine, made by simmering vegetables, meat, fish, seafood, or tofu in seasoned broth until the liquid is absorbed into the ingredients and reduced down.

Why do Koreans eat tofu after? ›

The idea of eating tofu after being released from prison is a very unique cultural concept tied to the Korean language and all things associated with going to prison. In a nutshell, it symbolizes ”becoming a new person”.

Why do Asians love tofu? ›

Why Chinese love fermented bean curd and even stinky tofu: it's cheap, adds flavour to rice and congee, is a good source of protein, and lots more.

Is it OK to eat eggs with tofu? ›

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.

Is tofu good for you to Lose Weight? ›

Low calorie density: Tofu is a low calorie food, with around 70-90 calories per 100 grams, making it a good option for those who are trying to lose weight. This is because foods with low calorie density help you feel full with fewer calories, which can help you consume fewer total calories throughout the day.

What can I add to tofu to make it taste better? ›

Marinate it: Tofu can be marinated in a variety of flavorful sauces or spices. You can use soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and other seasonings to make a simple marinade. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) before cooking or grilling.

Is tofu less fattening than meat? ›

Nutritionally, tofu offers much to love. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, half a cup of firm tofu offers 21.8 grams of protein with 181 calories and 11 grams of fat. Most of that fat is of the healthy polyunsaturated kind. The high level of protein makes tofu a good alternative to animal-derived meat.

Is tofu soup good for weight loss? ›

Eating tofu daily is good if you're trying to incorporate more soy into your diet. However, some say eating tofu every day will make you lose weight because it's low in calories and protein. In addition, overeating tofu can cause bloating because it contains a lot of water.

Does tofu have more calories than chicken? ›

Skinless, boneless chicken breast provides around 165 calories per 100 grams, making it a relatively lean option. Darker cuts may have a slightly higher calorie content. Tofu generally boasts a lower calorie content compared to many cuts of meat. Firm tofu, a common type, provides around 144 calories per 100 grams.

Does braised tofu have gluten? ›

No, traditional tofu is just made from soybeans. It's like cheese, but made from soymilk curds instead of animal milk curds. But if you're eating a dish with tofu, it may also contain a sauce with wheat as an ingredient.

What meat is tofu? ›

Tofu is vegetarian because it is derived from soy proteins. These proteins are made from pressed soybean curds in a process similar to cheesemaking. This also means that, because only plant-based products are used in its creation, tofu is vegan.

What is the meaning of the word braised? ›

braising, the cooking of meat or vegetables by heating them slowly with oil and moisture in a tightly sealed vessel. Braising differs from stewing, in which the food is immersed in liquid, and from covered roasting, in which no liquid is added. Braising is a combination of covered roasting and steaming. goulash.

Is soy and tofu the same thing? ›

Tofu, also known as soybean curd, is a soft, smooth soy product made by curdling fresh, hot soymilk with coagulant. Tofu has a mild flavor and easily absorbs the flavors of marinades, spices and other ingredients. Tofu is rich in high-quality protein and B vitamins, and low in sodium.

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