Braised Tofu – spicy
🇺🇸 Spicy Braised Tofu – A Bold and Flavorful Korean Side Dish
Spicy braised tofu is a popular Korean side dish made by simmering tofu in a savory sauce
with gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes.
Lightly pan-fried tofu soaks up the spicy seasoning, creating a rich, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with rice.
This simple yet deeply satisfying dish is loved for its spicy kick and soft texture, making it a must-try for fans of Korean food.
30 min
easy
Cooking Order
Ingredients
Basic ingredients
Tofu (for pancakes)1 + 1/2 ea
Green Onion1/2 ea
Onion1 ea
Cheongyang Pepper1 ea
Kelp Anchovy Water1 cup
Seeds SeasoningA little -
Seasoning Ingredients
Soy Sauce3 tablespoons
Cooking Wine1 tablespoon
Red Pepper Powder1 tablespoon
Sugar1 tablespoon
Minced Garlic1/2 tablespoon
Sesame Oil1 tablespoon
PepperA little -
Step 1:
Cut the tofu into bite-size pieces, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Step 2:
Slice the green onion and Cheongyang pepper diagonally, and slice the onion thickly. Add seasoning ingredients to a bowl and mix.
Step 3:
Add a little oil to a heated pan and fry the tofu until golden brown on both sides.
Step 4:
Place sliced onions in a pot, top with tofu, then add kelp anchovy broth and soy sauce and boil for about 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Finish by sprinkling with sesame seeds.
Step 6:
Add green onions and Cheongyang peppers and simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Editor's Detail
Spicy Braised Tofu – A Bold, Nutritious, and Flavorful Vegan Dish
1. High in Protein, Low in Fat
Spicy braised tofu is a plant-based high-protein dish that contains minimal saturated fat and zero cholesterol. It’s an excellent option for those watching their weight or following a heart-healthy diet, offering a satisfying balance of nutritional value and strong flavor. Tofu, as the main ingredient, helps support muscle health while being gentle on digestion.
2. Perfect for Vegan and Plant-Based Diets
This meat-free Korean tofu dish is not only delicious but also incredibly filling. It’s an ideal main or side dish for those who follow a vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian lifestyle. The richness of the spicy braised sauce ensures that you’re not missing out on flavor, even without any animal products. It’s also a great dish for introducing tofu to picky eaters thanks to its savory kick.
3. Spicy Sauce Meets Soft Tofu – A Perfect Match
Pan-fried tofu with a crispy edge perfectly absorbs the spicy, sweet, and savory sauce made with gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), garlic, and soy sauce. The contrast between the soft interior and bold outer coating makes each bite deeply satisfying. Spicy braised tofu pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed white rice, making it a complete and comforting meal.
4. Loaded with Nutrients Beyond Protein
Tofu isn’t just about protein. It’s also a great source of calcium, iron, magnesium, and isoflavones, all of which support strong bones, improved circulation, and balanced hormones. It’s a great way to nourish your body while enjoying something delicious. The garlic and chili also provide antioxidants and boost your metabolism.
5. Handle Tofu Gently While Cooking
Because tofu can be delicate, it’s important to handle it carefully during cooking. Use firm or extra-firm tofu and press it before pan-frying to remove excess moisture. Let each side cook until golden before flipping to maintain its shape. This step helps the tofu develop a chewy, meat-like texture that holds up well in the sauce.
6. Adjust Spice and Sweetness to Taste
You can easily customize this dish by adjusting the spice level with more or less gochugaru or gochujang. For a sweeter profile, increase the sugar or oligosaccharide. This versatility makes spicy braised tofu suitable for adults and kids alike. It also allows you to adapt the recipe depending on your mood—more heat for a kick, or extra sweetness for balance.
7. Best Served Fresh, But Still Delicious Later
While spicy braised tofu is best enjoyed right after cooking—when the texture is crisp yet tender—it also makes a fantastic meal prep option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, reheat in a pan rather than a microwave to preserve texture and flavor. It’s a dish that gets even better as the flavors continue to soak into the tofu.
📌 Whether you’re looking for a healthy Korean dish, a vegan protein source, or simply a delicious way to cook tofu, spicy braised tofu checks all the boxes. It’s bold, nourishing, easy to prepare, and irresistibly flavorful.
How would you rate this recipe?
Reviews (0)
Join the Taste Korean food community and add comments.
Chonggak Kimchi (Ponytail Radish Kimchi)
Chonggak Kimchi, also known as ponytail radish kimchi, is a classic Korean fermented side dish made with crisp young radishes.
This recipe guides you through selecting, salting, seasoning, and fermenting the radishes to achieve an authentic, crunchy, and flavorful kimchi that pairs perfectly with Korean meals.
3hmedium
Aged kimchi Flatfish Sushi Roll
Mukeunji Flatfish Sushi Roll combines the deep flavor of aged kimchi with the clean, delicate taste of fresh halibut. This Korean-style sushi roll harmonizes sour, savory, and umami notes, creating a refined dish that pairs beautifully with miso soup.
30 mineasy
Korean Assorted Jeon Platter
Modeumjeon, or Korean Assorted Jeon Platter, is a traditional festive dish served during holidays like Chuseok and Lunar New Year. It includes a colorful variety of pan-fried items — beef patties, zucchini, mushrooms, shrimp, and perilla leaves — each offering a unique flavor and texture. Modeumjeon represents abundance, sharing, and togetherness in Korean family meals.
1h 30minchallenging