Dubu Jorim
Dubu Jorim is a beloved Korean dish that features tofu braised in a delicious, savoury sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Often served as a side dish, it’s known for its balance of flavours—salty, savoury, and slightly sweet. The tofu absorbs the sauce beautifully, making it a comforting and nutritious addition to any meal.
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board For slicing tofu and prepping vegetables.
- 1 Sharp Knife To finely chop garlic, ginger, and green onions.
- 1 Mixing Bowl For combining ingredients to create the sauce.
- 1 Large Skillet or Shallow Pan To simmer the tofu and sauce evenly.
- 1 Spatula or Tongs For gently flipping tofu without breaking it.
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons To accurately measure sauce ingredients.
- 1 Small Whisk or Fork For mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
- 4 Serving Plate or Bowl For presenting the finished dish beautifully.
- 1 Paper Towels To pat dry the tofu before cooking.
- 1 Optional: Tofu Press To remove excess moisture from the tofu (if using firm tofu).
Ingredients
- Tofu soft or firm, depending on your preference
- Korean chili flakes gochugaru
- Soy sauce the base of the sauce
- Garlic minced
- Ginger minced
- Green onions sliced
- Sesame oil adds richness and fragrance
- Onions sliced
- Carrots julienned
- Mushrooms shiitake or oyster
- Scallions for garnish
- Korean red pepper paste gochujang for added spice
- Mirin adds a slight sweetness
- Sugar balances the salty flavour
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
- Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
- Mince the garlic and ginger.
- Slice the green onions and any other vegetables you’re using (such as onions, carrots, or mushrooms).
- Step 2: Make the sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- Optional: 1 tablespoon gochujang (for more spice), 1 tablespoon mirin (for sweetness), and 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance flavours).
- Mix the ingredients well until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Marinate the Tofu
- Place the tofu cubes in a large bowl and pour the sauce over the tofu. Gently toss the tofu to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for deeper flavour).
- Step 4: Simmer the Dubu Jorim
- Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a pot or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated tofu and any vegetables you’re using (onions, carrots, mushrooms). Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve Dubu Jorim hot with steamed rice or as a side dish to a Korean meal.