Dubu Jorim (Braised Tofu in Soy-Chili Sauce)
Local name: 두부조림
In short: Pan-fried tofu slabs simmered in a garlicky soy and chili sauce with scallions until the sauce reduces to a glaze, a classic Korean side dish. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 225 kcal
Dubu jorim is a banchan found in nearly every Korean lunchbox and home kitchen. Slabs of firm tofu are pan-fried until golden so they hold their shape, then simmered in a savory-sweet soy and chili sauce until the liquid thickens and clings. It is salty enough to eat with plain rice, cheap and fast, and it keeps for days in the fridge. The sauce is also good spooned over boiled potatoes.
Instructions
- Pat the tofu slabs dry, sprinkle with the salt and leave for 10 minutes. Pat dry again to remove the liquid that comes out.
- Heat the oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu in a single layer for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden. Move it to a plate.
- Stir the soy sauce, chili flakes, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, half the scallions and the water together in a bowl.
- Spread the onion over the bottom of the same pan. Lay the tofu on top in a single layer and pour over the sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, spooning the sauce over the tofu every couple of minutes, until the liquid has reduced by about two-thirds and turned glossy.
- Scatter with the remaining scallions and the sesame seeds and serve warm or cold.
Tips
- Pan-frying the tofu first helps it hold its shape and soak up the sauce. Do not skip the drying step, or the tofu will spit in the hot oil.
- For a milder side, halve the chili flakes. Sliced shiitake mushrooms or potato rounds can be added to the pan with the sauce.
Questions and answers
Can I use soft tofu for dubu jorim?
No. Soft tofu breaks apart when fried and simmered. Use firm or extra-firm tofu, which holds its shape and browns well.
How long does dubu jorim keep?
Up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes good cold or reheated. Freezing is not recommended, since the tofu turns spongy.
Can I make dubu jorim less salty?
Yes. Use 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and an extra splash of water. Keep in mind that this side dish is meant to be eaten in small bites with plain rice.
How long does it take to make Dubu Jorim (Braised Tofu in Soy-Chili Sauce)?
About 35 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Dubu Jorim (Braised Tofu in Soy-Chili Sauce)?
About 225 kcal per serving, with 13 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 225 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
