Food - Drink
What Is Braised Tofu And How Is It Served?
By NIKITA EPHANOV
Braised tofu is a delicious vegetarian or vegan dish that's popular in China and Korea, and the ingredients used depend on the cuisine. Chinese dishes often use silken tofu, soy sauce, oyster sauce, bamboo shoots, and chicken broth, while Koreans reach for firmer varieties of tofu, gochugaru (chili flakes), sugar, salt, and soy sauce.
Similar to braising meat, braised tofu starts with a quick pan-fry for the tofu, then the aromatics and veggies are added and fried, after which the braising liquid is added to the pan and allowed to caramelize. The oil temperature should stay between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a crispy exterior on the drained tofu.
The Korean version of braised tofu, called dubu jorim, contains fewer components and a thicker, paste-like, spicy sauce, and is treated more like a side dish paired with rice. Chinese braised tofu uses more ingredients, especially more veggies, which are coated in a more liquid sauce, and the dish typically ordered at restaurants.