KCook
Sign in
← All recipes
Side dishes

Braised Tofu

Cook mode
dubu-jorim

Firm tofu simmered in a sweet-salty soy glaze.

Easy20 min2 servings🌶️★ 65VegetarianContains soyContains sesame
🍲

History & culture

Braised tofu in soy (dubu jorim) is an everyday banchan found in homes, cafeterias, and lunchboxes across Korea, valued for protein on modest budgets. Cooks typically fry firm tofu first, then simmer it in soy, garlic, and sugar until glossy and shelf-stable for a few days. It spread widely in the twentieth century alongside urban lunch culture and remains a staple in Korean restaurants worldwide.

Servings
2

KCook

Ingredients & steps

Cook mode

Ingredients

  • Garlic
    1 clove
  • Firm tofu

    Substituteextra-firm tofu

    1 block (14 oz)
  • Neutral cooking oil
    2 tbsp
  • Water
    1/3 cup
  • Green onion

    Substitutescallion or spring onion

    1 stalk

Seasonings

  • Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)Optional

    Substitutecoarse red pepper flakes (adjust heat)

    1/2 tsp
  • Soy sauce

    SubstituteTsuyu (diluted) 6 tsp (2 tsp per 1 tbsp) or Tamari 3 tbsp

    3 tbsp
  • Toasted sesame oil

    Substitutea small amount of olive oil (flavor differs)

    1 tsp
  • Sugar
    1 tbsp

Steps

  1. 110 min

    Wrap tofu in a clean towel and press 10 minutes to remove excess water.

    • Firm tofu
  2. 2Medium heat4 min

    Cut tofu into thick slices and pan-fry in oil until golden on both sides.

    • Firm tofu
    • Neutral cooking oil
  3. 3Medium heat7 min

    Mix soy sauce, sugar, water, and garlic; pour over tofu. Cover and simmer 6–8 minutes, spooning sauce until glossy.

    • Soy sauce
    • Sugar
    • Water
    • Garlic
  4. 4

    Drizzle sesame oil and sprinkle green onion and gochugaru if using.

    • Toasted sesame oil
    • Green onion
    • Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)

Storage & reheating

Refrigerate up to 4 days. Flavor deepens overnight.

Troubleshooting

  • ⚠️ Tofu falls apart

    → Press tofu well and use firm tofu; flip gently once.

  • ⚠️ Too salty

    → Add 2 tbsp water to sauce and reduce simmer time.