🥢 Introduction
Tofu is one of those ingredients I always keep in the fridge because it’s easy to turn into a quick meal. When I don’t have much time to cook, this Korean braised tofu is one of the recipes I make most often.
The tofu gently simmers with onion, green onion, and chili peppers in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, gochugaru, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. As the sauce reduces, the tofu absorbs all those rich flavors while staying soft and tender.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any special ingredients. The sauce comes together in just a minute with a few pantry staples, and everything cooks in one pan. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but satisfying enough when you’re craving comforting Korean home cooking.
It’s not a fancy dish, but that’s exactly why I love it. Served with a bowl of warm steamed rice, it’s a meal I never get tired of. If you’re new to Korean cooking or simply looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this Korean braised tofu recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
🛒 Ingredients
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this classic Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim). Most of them are pantry staples, and together they create a savory, slightly spicy sauce that soaks beautifully into the tofu as it cooks.
Here’s everything you’ll need:
✔ 2 blocks of tofu – Firm tofu holds its shape well while simmering and absorbs the sauce without falling apart.
✔ 1 onion, sliced – Adds natural sweetness and extra flavor to the sauce.
✔ 1 green onion, chopped – Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
✔ Chili peppers, to taste– Adds fresh heat. Use as much or as little as you like depending on your spice preference.
Sauce
✔ 3 tbsp soy sauce – The base of the sauce, adding a rich savory flavor.
✔ 2 tbsp oyster sauce – Gives the sauce extra depth and a subtle sweetness.
✔ 2 tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) – Adds authentic Korean flavor, color, and gentle heat.
✔ ½ tbsp sugar – Balances the saltiness and spice without making the dish sweet.
✔ 1 tbsp minced garlic – Adds a bold, savory aroma that pairs perfectly with tofu.
✔ 1 tbsp sesame oil – Brings a delicious nutty flavor at the end of cooking.
✔ 250 ml water – Creates enough sauce for the tofu to simmer and absorb all the flavors.
✔ A pinch of MSG (optional) – Adds extra umami, just like many Korean home cooks use.
✔ Sesame seeds, to taste – Sprinkle on top before serving for a nutty finish and a little crunch.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the tofu
Cut the tofu into large pieces and arrange them in a single layer in a wide pot or skillet.
Step 2. Add the vegetables
Scatter the sliced onion, green onion, and chili peppers evenly over the tofu.
Step 3. Add the sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, gochugaru, sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, water, and MSG (if using). Pour the sauce evenly over the tofu and vegetables. There’s no need to stir—the tofu will naturally absorb the flavors as it simmers.
Step 4. Simmer
Cover the pot and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for about 20–25 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the tofu, until the sauce has reduced slightly and the tofu has absorbed all the delicious flavors.
Step 5. Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve warm with a bowl of steamed rice, and spoon the extra sauce over the rice for the best flavor.
🍽️ Serving Tips
Serve this Korean braised tofu with a bowl of steamed white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a complete Korean home-style meal, pair it with simple side dishes like kimchi, seasoned spinach, or bean sprouts.
If you enjoy extra heat, garnish with freshly sliced chili peppers just before serving. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the tofu continues to absorb the flavorful sauce.
To keep the tofu from breaking apart, avoid stirring it too often while it cooks. Instead, gently spoon the sauce over the tofu once or twice. Cook over medium-low heat so the sauce reduces slowly without burning.
This recipe works best with medium-firm or firm tofu, as softer tofu can easily fall apart during simmering.
❓ FAQ
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes. Simply reduce the amount of gochugaru or leave out the fresh chili peppers for a milder flavor.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced beef, pork, or canned tuna are all delicious additions if you’d like a heartier meal.
Why did my tofu fall apart?
Use medium-firm or firm tofu, and avoid stirring it too often while it cooks. Instead, gently spoon the sauce over the tofu to help it keep its shape.
Why does my braised tofu taste bland?
If the flavor seems too mild, let it simmer a little longer so the tofu has more time to absorb the sauce. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or a little extra gochugaru to adjust the flavor to your taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
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Easy Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim)
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the tofu into large pieces and arrange them in a single layer in a wide pot or skillet.
- Scatter the onion, green onion, and chili peppers over the tofu.
- Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and pour evenly over the tofu.
- Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the tofu.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve warm with steamed rice.
Hi, I’m Vella, a Korean home cook sharing easy Korean recipes for everyday cooking. I focus on simple recipes, practical tips, and ingredients that are easy to find outside Korea.