This Korean Braised tofu recipe, dubu jorim, turns bland tofu into a full flavored tofu dish packed with plant-based protein making it scrumptious Korean meal or banchan (Korean side dishes). Pan-seared tofu slices are braised in a spicy savory sauce. Adjust the amount of Korean chili flakes to suit your spice level.

Spicy Korean braised tofu (dubu jorim) placed in an oval platter.

For those who haven’t yet savored a truly tasty and flavorful tofu dish, I introduce you to Dubu Jorim (두부조림). This Korean braised tofu recipe is guaranteed to leave no room for disappointment.

Just like in dubu buchim, firm tofu slices are swiftly pan-seared and then promptly braised in a savory sauce concoction. This consists of ingredients like onions, soy sauce, and Korean chili flakes.

Korean braised tofu slices on top of a bowl of rice.

Taste and Texture of Braised Tofu

The texture of Dubu Jorim tofu is delectable without being overly soft — the brief pan-frying prior to braising ensures this. Paired with rice, this quick tofu dish becomes a fulfilling Korean meal or even a delightful side dish (banchan).

The vivid red hue of the spicy savory sauce instantly piques your appetite, and the rich flavor of this tofu has never failed to satisfy me. I trust it will deliver the same satisfaction to you.

While the dish carries a touch of spice, the amount of chili flakes can be altered according to your preference. The tofu manages to be crispy on the outside but remains incredibly moist and soft inside. Present it as a simple, healthy main dish alongside a rice or noodle bowl. It even serves as a pleasing side dish.

Dubu Jorim stands out as it can be prepared with ease and speed – all within roughly 15 minutes. This might be one of the most straightforward Asian tofu recipes  you’ll encounter, requiring only a few ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.

Tofu in Korean Cuisine

Just like in other Asian countries, tofu is an essential ingredient as a part of healthy Korean cuisine. Numerous dishes feature tofu as the primary component. Here are a few more recipes to explore:

Tofu also often elevates the taste of other dishes like Doenjang Jjigae, Kimchi Jjigae, and Budae Jjigae. It is, without a doubt, an essential source of plant-based protein in Korean cuisine.

Dubu jorim, Korean tofu braised in spicy sauce, on an oval platter.

Customize Your Korean Tofu

Dubu jorim is one of my personal favorite Korean side dishes. I make it quite often when I need something quick to serve with rice. The bright red color of spicy savory sauce immediately whets my appetite, and the flavor of this tofu has never failed to satisfy me. I hope it will do the same for you.

  • Want to make it heartier? Although I prefer serving it as is without adding anything else, add your favorite veggies if you prefer to make it more nutritious. Zucchini, carrot, radish, pepper are good addition.
  • Try adding chopped shrimp. It adds another layer of flavor and tastes delicious.
  • Perfect tofu rice bowl or tofu noodle bowl, or even with porridge. Just top it up with this flavorful tofu and you are good to go.
  • Wonderful vegetarian or vegan dish if you use water instead of stock.

No Need to Press Tofu

Many people bothers with pressing tofu by putting some sort of heavy tofu press object to remove the water from tofu. There’s no need of it if you follow my instruction.

All you need is couple sheets of paper towel to gently wipe off the moisture from the surface. My Korean pan-fried crispy tofu (dubu buchim) is a great example of that. You will get crispy and chewy tofu every time.

Ingredient for making Korean braised tofu, dubu jorim.

Ingredients You’ll need

  • Tofu – use firm tofu
  • Onion, chili, garlic, green onion – adds savory taste. You can omit fresh chili if you prefer it to be milder.
  • Soy sauce
  • Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
  • Sesame oil – an aromatic ingredient
  • Either anchovy stock or water – I personally prefer using anchovy stock to add umami, but water works fine, too.

Types of Tofu

There are three different types of Korean tofu — firm tofu (부침용), soft tofu(찌개용), and silken tofu (생식용). Please see my Korean pantry page to learn more about each Korean tofu and its usage in various recipes.

For this braised tofu recipe, I recommend using a block of firm tofu. It holds the shape, and you can enjoy the chewy texture.

How to make Korean braised tofu

Dubu jorim sauce mixed to amek quick braised tofu dish.
A pot of anchovy and sea kelp stock for making braised tofu

Step 1. To make the sauce, combine soy sauce, Korean chili flakes, garlic, sugar, sesame oil, black pepper. Pour anchovy stock or water and mix well; set aside.

Note: If you are making this recipe as a vegetarian tofu dish, use water instead of anchovy stock.

Pressing a slice of tofu with paper towel.

Step 2. Slice tofu into 1/2-inch thickness. Press each slice slightly firmly with a piece of paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Pan-seard tofu slices in a skillet to make dubu jorim (braised tofu)

Step 3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add tofu slices and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.

Dubu jorim ssauce and green chili slices are added to tofu slices in a skillet.

Step 4. Add onion and chili on top of tofu. Pour the sauce evenly over and let it boil. Cover with lid and cook for 4-5 minutes on medium low heat.

Braised tofu with spicy dubu jorim sauce in a skillet
Chopped green onion on top of braised tofu as a garnish.

Step 5. Remove the lid and garnish the braised tofu with chopped green onion and toasted sesame seeds if you wish.

Spicy Korean braised tofu (Dubu jorim) served over white rice.

Serve this Korean spicy tofu dish with a bowl of steamed Korean rice as a plant-based main dish or complementary side dish.

Other Healthy Korean Recipes to try

Spicy braised tofu slices are placed in an oval platter with a pair of chopsticks

Quick Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim)

This quick Korean braised tofu recipe, dubu jorim, turns bland tofu into a full flavored dish. Pan-seared tofu slices are braised in a spicy savory sauce. Adjust the amount of Korean chili flakes to suit your spice level.
4.86 from 7 ratings

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Instructions 

  • To make the sauce, combine soy sauce, Korean chili flakes, garlic, sugar, sesame oil, black pepper. Pour anchovy stock (or water) and mix well; set aside.
  • Slice tofu into 1/2-inch thickness. Press tofu slices slightly firmly with a piece of paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add tofu slices and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
  • Add onion and chili on top of tofu. Pour the sauce evenly over the tofu and let it boil. Cover with lid and cook for 4-5 minutes on medium low heat.
  • Remove the lid and garnish the braised tofu with chopped green onion and toasted sesame seeds if you wish. Serve with rice.

Notes

To make anchovy stock:
Put 5-6 large dried anchovies and a piece of dried sea kelp in a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to boil and simmer over low heat for 4-5 minutes. Discard the anchovies and sea kelp and reserve the stock.
Vegetarian adaptation: Use water, instead of anchovy stock, in the sauce.
Calories: 164kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 848mg, Potassium: 121mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 891IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 172mg, Iron: 2mg
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