Quick and Easy Braised Tofu – Soy Sauce
Soy-Braised Tofu – A Light and Savory Korean Side Dish
Soy-braised tofu is a classic Korean dish where lightly pan-fried tofu is simmered in a savory soy sauce-based glaze.
It’s a simple, healthy, and satisfying side dish that highlights the natural flavor of tofu.
Great with rice, it’s perfect for lunchboxes, meal prep, or everyday home-cooked meals.
20 min
easy
Cooking Order
Ingredients
Basic ingredients
Tofu (wide)1.1 lbs(500g)
Cooking Oil2 tablespoons
Green OnionA little -
Sesame SeedsA little -
Seasoning Ingredients
Soy Sauce2 tablespoons
Water1 tablespoon
Sugar1/2 teaspoon
Minced Garlic1 teaspoon
Sesame Oil1 tablespoon
Step 1:
Cut the tofu into thick pieces and remove the moisture with a paper towel. Prepare the seasoning ingredients by mixing them. (tip. Make sure to remove as much moisture from the tofu as possible so oil does not splatter when grilling)
Step 2:
Add oil to a heated pan and fry the tofu until golden brown on both sides.
Step 3:
Add the seasoning ingredients to the grilled tofu and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes.
Step 4:
Place the finished soy sauce braised tofu on a plate, sprinkle with finely chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and enjoy with rice.
Editor's Detail
Soy-Braised Tofu – A Light, Savory, and Healthy Korean Side Dish
1. What Is Soy-Braised Tofu?
Soy-braised tofu is a traditional Korean side dish made by pan-frying tofu and simmering it in a savory soy sauce-based mixture.
The dish is mild, flavorful, and widely loved by all ages.
It’s perfect as a quick home-cooked meal, lunchbox side dish, or part of a healthy dinner.
2. Rich in Plant-Based Protein and Low in Fat
Tofu is packed with plant-based protein, making it a great alternative to meat.
It’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol-free, and rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium, making soy-braised tofu ideal for diet-conscious and wellness-focused meals.
3. Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
Since soy-braised tofu doesn’t contain chili or spice, it’s mild enough for kids and those with sensitive palates.
You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your family’s taste, making it a great family-friendly tofu recipe.
4. Great for Meal Prep and Bento Boxes
This tofu dish holds up well when refrigerated, making it a convenient option for meal prep or packed lunches.
Even when eaten cold, soy-braised tofu maintains its flavor, making it a staple for weekly side dishes.
5. Cooking Tip – Prevent Tofu from Breaking
Tofu can be delicate, so be careful not to flip it too often when pan-frying.
Use firm tofu and let it cook undisturbed until golden brown before turning to preserve its shape and texture.
6. Mix the Sauce First and Simmer Gently
For best flavor, pre-mix the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, water, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil—before adding to the pan.
Simmer over medium heat to allow the tofu to soak up the flavor evenly. Avoid high heat to prevent burning or drying out the tofu.
7. Simple Yet Satisfying and Nutritious
The combination of tofu’s soft texture with the umami-rich soy sauce makes this dish incredibly satisfying.
A finishing touch of sesame oil and seeds enhances the aroma and depth.
It’s a wholesome, vegan-friendly side dish that fits any balanced diet.
Whether you’re on a plant-based diet, cooking for your kids, or simply looking for an easy tofu recipe,
Soy-braised tofu is a must-try dish that offers simplicity, nutrition, and traditional Korean flavor in every bite.
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