Korean food guide
Korean Tofu Recipes: Silken, Pan-Fried, or Braised
Choose a recipe for the tofu on hand: silken tofu with sauce, firm tofu with a dipping sauce, or spicy braised tofu with rice.
Silken tofu: spoon sauce over it
Silken tofu with seasoned soy sauce uses one block for two servings. The sauce combines soy sauce, water, Korean chili flakes, garlic, green onion, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Handle the tofu gently and draw off surface moisture before placing it on the plate.
The recipe offers a cold serving or a microwaved warm serving. It does not fry or braise the block. This is a side-dish choice when a frying pan is unnecessary and silken tofu is already in the fridge.
Firm tofu: keep the sauce separate
Pan-fried tofu uses 300 g firm tofu for two servings. Dry the slices, salt them, and blot any moisture that returns. Arrange them in one layer and let the first side form a golden surface before turning with a wide spatula.
Mix the soy, chili flake, green onion, and sesame oil dipping sauce before heating the pan. Serve it on the side. Choose this preparation when crisp surfaces matter more than having sauce reduced around the tofu.
Firm tofu: reduce a sauce in the pan
Dubu jorim uses 400 g firm tofu for four servings. Its sauce needs soy sauce, gochugaru, sugar, garlic, and water. The tofu first browns in a skillet, then braises uncovered until the liquid has reduced by about half and starts clinging to the slices.
This method includes both frying and braising. It is not a shortcut for the separately sauced tofu above. Set out rice if using the tofu as part of a rice-based meal.
A tofu title does not describe every ingredient
The linked collection also includes clam soft tofu soup and tofu braised with shrimp. Open the ingredient list before choosing a dish for someone avoiding seafood. For a vegetable-focused table, use the vegetarian recipe guide to compare sauces and toppings as well as the tofu.
Recipes to continue with
Frequently asked questions
Can I use silken tofu for the pan-fried recipe?
The linked pan-fried recipe specifies firm tofu that can be sliced, dried, and turned in a pan. Use the silken tofu with seasoned sauce recipe for a soft block instead.
How are pan-fried tofu and dubu jorim different?
Pan-fried tofu serves a dipping sauce separately. Dubu jorim fries the tofu first, then braises it in a soy and gochugaru sauce until the liquid reduces and clings.
Are all the tofu dishes vegetarian?
No. The collection includes clam soft tofu soup and tofu braised with shrimp. Check every ingredient, including broth and sauces, for the chosen recipe.