Korean Braised Tofu – Dubu-Jorim | 두부조림

Discover the delights of Dubu Jorim, a traditional Korean dish where tofu is gently braised in a rich, flavourful sauce of soy, garlic, and spices. My quick and easy recipe offers a perfect harmony of savoury and satisfying flavours.

When it comes to tasty Korean banchan, there are few flavours more intoxicating than dubu jorim - a Korean tofu recipe like no other. Deliciously soft tofu is fried to form a crisp exterior, while the inside remains soft and decadent. It's then lightly braised in a vibrant and flavourful chilli sauce - the tofu soaks up the sauce and creates a fantastic combination of flavour and texture.

It's a great dish to eat in many ways - my favourite way is to simply have it over rice with as a rice bowl with some kimchi on the side. A fried egg on to never hurt anyone too! It's also great as a side dish served alongside other small plates (banchan) as a larger Korean feast.

This dubu jorim recipe is one of my favourite Korean tofu recipes, in fact one of my favourite tofu recipes period!

What's Ahead?

What is Dubu Jorim?

In Korean, "dubu" (두부) refers to tofu, and "jorim" (조림) means 'braised'.

It's a traditional Korean dish made with tofu that has been gently braised in a savoury, flavourful sauce. The tofu is typically cut into cubes or slices and simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, sugar, and other seasonings until it absorbs the rich flavours of the sauce. Sometimes, additional ingredients such as vegetables or meat may be added to enhance the dish. Dubu Jorim is known for its delicious balance of textures and savoury taste, making it a popular banchan (side dish) in Korean.

Why it works?

Flavour all the way! - dubu-jorim is packed with an amazing amount of umami, spicy flavour that never fails to disappoint. As a secondary bonus, it's pretty healthy too!

Stuff You'll Need

Making dubu jorim is actually very easy, so let's see what makes the magic happen. There's a full recipe below, but these are the key ingredients.

• Tofu - the best tofu to use for dubu jorim is 'Firm'. It will hold its shape during frying and form a wonderful crisp exterior while retaining a soft, melting interior. Quite the combination!
• Sesame oil - one of the key flavours to Korean food, sesame oil is essential - bringing it's nutty and intoxicating aroma.
• Gochujang Sauce - Korea's much loved chilli sauce is available in paste form which is thick and sticky or in a sauce in a squeezy bottle. You can use either.
• Gochugaru - These ubiquitous mild chilli flakes help creates the pillar-box red colour of many Korean dishes.

Step by Step

Creating this braised tofu is really not difficult. There are only three simple steps to success:

1. Fry the tofu - divide into cubes or slices and fry for 7 minutes each side to create a crisp exterior.
2. Create the sauce - fry up some onion and garlic and add the gochugaru, sugar, sesame, soy and water and sizzle for a minute.
3. Toss the tofu in the sauce and that's it!

What type of tofu to choose - Pro tips.

Tofu can be a confusing affair, especially if you're at an Asian supermarket there's a world of options and if Chinese/Japanese or Korean aren't your first language it can be traumatic trying to pick the right one. Firm or extra-firm tofu is the type you should look out for in english. In other Asian languages look out for:

• Korean: "dubu" (두부) or "yuksoo dubu" (육수 두부).
• Chinese: "老豆腐" (lǎo dòufu) or "硬豆腐" (yìng dòufu).
• Japanese: "木綿豆腐" (momendofu) or "絹漉し豆腐" (kinugoshi dofu)

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Dubu-jorim can be served in various ways, depending on personal preference and the accompanying dishes. Here are some common serving suggestions:

• Over Rice: Serve Dubu-jorim over steamed rice for a simple and satisfying meal. The flavourful sauce from the dish pairs well with the plain rice.
• As a Side Dish (Banchan): Serve Dubu-jorim as part of a Korean meal alongside other banchan (side dishes) such as kimchi, namul (seasoned vegetables), and pickled radishes. It adds variety and depth to the overall dining experience.
• In a Rice Bowl (Bibimbap): Incorporate Dubu-jorim into bibimbap, a popular Korean rice dish topped with various seasoned vegetables, meat, egg, and gochujang (Korean chilli paste). The tofu adds protein and flavour to the ensemble.
• With Noodles: Serve Dubu-jorim alongside or mixed into noodles, such as japchae (stir-fried glass noodles) or naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles). The combination creates a hearty and flavourful noodle dish.
• As a Topping: Use Dubu-jorim as a topping for salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a vegetarian-friendly option with a punch of flavour and protein.

Ultimately, Dubu-jorim is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different serving ideas!

Storage

• Refrigerate - cooled Dubu-jorim in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freeze - in a suitable container for up to 1-2 months.
• Reheat - gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving hot.

Ready to get cooking?

Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this versatile vegetarian recipe promises a satisfying culinary experience that celebrates the essence of Korean cuisine. It's a real winner for me at any time of the day and as a main or side dish. Packed with spicy, umami flavours it's a no-fail option every time. I hope you enjoy.

More Korean recipes

If you liked this recipe, then be sure to check out more of my Korean favourites.

• Kimchi Pork Stew
• Bibim Guksu (Korean Spicy Cold Noodles)
• Salmon Soba Noodles with Miso Dressing
• Korean Gochujang Noodles with Pork
• Gochujang Chicken
• Korean Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
• Kimchi Fried Rice (볶음밥)

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