Easy Korean Braised Tofu Recipe (Dubu Jorim)

This Korean Braised Tofu (or Dubu Jorim) is a flavorful side featuring pan-fried, crispy tofu braised in a moderately spicy soy-based sauce that adds a sweet, spicy, and savory flavor. Serve with steamed rice and another main dish or side dish, and enjoy! 

Why You’ll Love This Korean Braised Tofu

Korean Braised Tofu, known as Dubu Jorim (두부조림) in Korean, is a popular side dish made with pan-fried tofu that’s braised in a flavorful and delicious sauce. The steps are simple: Tofu is pan-fried until golden and then simmered in a slightly sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, green onions, sugar, and gochugaru (Korean red chili pepper flakes).

“Dubu” means tofu and “jorim” means braised. This recipe is very quick and easy to make and you can enjoy it warm or cold. It’s often served as a side dish (banchan) in Korean cuisine and can be enjoyed with rice and other main dishes. 

Dubu Jorim is a super simple dish with a satisfying texture, and rich, savory taste. I hope you love this flavorful and delicious dish!

If you want more Korean side dishes check out these recipes: Easy Korean Cucumber Salad, Pickled Korean Perilla Leaves, and Mayak Eggs. 

Watch a Short Video of This Recipe

Ingredient Notes

• firm tofu block: Our main ingredient! You can also use extra-firm tofu. You don’t want to use silken tofu or anything less than firm or the tofu slice may fall apart and you will not achieve a crispy texture because it contains too much water. 
• avocado oil: or any neutral oil

Braising Sauce Ingredients

• soy sauce: or tamari sauce, for gluten-free
• water
• toasted sesame oil
• garlic cloves
• Gochugaru: You can find this at Asian grocery stores or online. 
• sugar
• sesame seeds
• green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Drain the tofu from the package and cut it into 1/4-inch thick slices. Use paper towels or a kitchen towel to blot the tofu slices on both sides to remove excess moisture.

Step 2

Add all ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the sliced tofu on both for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. 

Step 4

Spoon the sauce generously over each piece of tofu until you use all of it. Lower the heat if needed so the sauce doesn’t burn, and braise for 3-4 minutes. 

Step 5 

Remove from heat and serve the fried tofu slices with warm rice. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold as well.

Expert Tips

• Use “firm” tofu for the best texture that won’t fall apart while pan-frying.
• This dish is moderately spicy. You can adjust the amount of gochugaru, or Korean chili flakes, depending on your spice level.

Storage Tips

Save leftovers of this spicy braised tofu for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. You can enjoy cold from the fridge, or warm it up before serving.

More Korean Recipes

• Easy Korean Steak Bites
• Korean Vegetable Pancakes
• Creamy Rose Tteokbokki
• Gochujang Noodles
• Instant Pot Korean Beef

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