Korean-Style Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim)

⏱️ Total time : 20 minutes

🥢 Introduction

This is a simple Korean braised tofu recipe that works well on busy days. Everything goes into one pot, and while it simmers, the sauce slowly soaks into the tofu.

It’s not a fancy dish, just the kind of food you cook at home and eat with rice.
If you like easy Korean recipes that don’t require much prep, this one fits right in.

🛒 Ingredients

✔ 2 blocks of tofu
✔ 1 onion, sliced
✔ 1 green onion, chopped
✔ Chili peppers, to taste

Sauce

✔ 3 tbsp soy sauce
✔ 2 tbsp oyster sauce
✔ 2 tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
✔ ½ tbsp sugar 1 tbsp minced garlic
✔ 1 tbsp sesame oil
✔ 250 ml water
✔ A pinch of MSG (optional)
✔ Sesame seeds, to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the pot
Cut the tofu into large pieces and arrange them in a single layer in a pot.
Add the sliced onion, green onion, and chili peppers on top.

Step 2. Add the sauce
Pour all the sauce ingredients evenly over the tofu.
No need to mix — the sauce will seep in as it cooks.

Step 3. Simmer
Cover the pot and cook over low heat. Let it simmer gently until the sauce reduces slightly and coats the tofu.
Turn off the heat once the tofu is soft and the sauce has thickened. Serve warm with rice.

🍽️ Serving Tips

✔ This dish is best served with steamed white rice
✔ It also works well as a simple side dish alongside other Korean home-style meals.
✔ If you like it spicier, add sliced chili peppers on top right before serving.
✔ Leftovers taste even better the next day after the sauce has fully soaked in.

💡 Additional Note

✔ You don’t need to stir often. Letting the tofu sit helps it keep its shape.
✔ Keep the heat low so the sauce reduces slowly and doesn’t burn.
✔ This recipe works well with both soft and medium-firm tofu.