Versatile, easy, 15- minute vegan Dubu Jorim or Korean Braised Tofu for the win!
Super simple and satisfying, Dubu Jorim is FULL of exciting flavor.
Thick chunks of braised tofu. Spicy, delicious, flavorful sauce.
Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Healthy AND tasty — my favorite kind of dish!
AND — Dubu Jorim is so easy to make! Only 15 minutes and it’s on the table!
What is Dubu Jorim?
Dubu Jorim is Korean Braised Tofu. Dubu = Tofu. Jorim = Cooked down (or braised).
Dubu Jorim is a popular banchan (side dish) at the Korean table. Enjoyed with rice, kimchi, and other dishes — it’s Korean home cooking at its best. The total cook time is 15 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dish.
There are different variations for Tofu Jorim. Every Korean household makes the version they like best. My version is spicy but savory with soy sauce, garlic, and a little bit of vinegar to round out all the flavors.
Ingredients for Dubu Jorim:
- Firm Block Tofu. Firm tofu is easier to handle than soft tofu and won’t fall apart in the pan.
- Sauce: Gochukaru (Korean dried chili flakes) OR Gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, water. Mix together in a bowl and add to the pan-fried tofu.
- Garlic + Green Onion. For aromatic deliciousness!
What pan should I use for Dubu Jorim?
A non-stick skillet works best. Both teflon coated OR ceramic coated non-stick skillets work beautifully. Even a well-greased cast iron pan or carbon steel skillet should work.
DO NOT use a regular skillet for this recipe! The tofu will stick to the pan and the sauce will burn!
Also, a side note: almost every Korean cook I know owns at least one non-stick skillet. It’s the practical cooking tool that’s perfect for so many Korean preparations. (Like Kimchi Pancake, Korean Beef Patties (aka Donguerang Ddeng), Kimchi Fried Rice, etc.)
How do I eat Dubu Jorim?
Dubu Jorim is typically served as banchan or one of many side dishes at the Korean table. Koreans don’t typically eat one main dish only — they eat a little bit of this, a little bit of that.
When I eat Tofu Jorim as one of many banchan, I like to eat alongside Oi Muchim (Cucumber Salad), Gamja Salad (Potato Salad), and Braised Lotus Root. Rice is a must!
But when I want a fast and quick meal, I eat Tofu Jorim simply with rice and kimchi. And maybe a fried egg on top if I’m really hungry.
There’s really no wrong way to eat this fast, tasty, easy 15-minute dish!
Watch how to make Dubu Jorim:
How To Make Korean Braised Tofu:
- Slice tofu + pat dry with paper towel
- Pan fry until crispy and browned on both sides
- Spoon sauce + water over tofu squares
- Cook until the sauce is reduced + syrupy
- Eat + enjoy!
Dubu Jorim aka Korean Braised Tofu
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet OR well greased cast iron pan
Ingredients
- 1 package firm tofu
Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (not the low sodium kind!)
- 2 Tbsp gochukaru, Korean dried chili flakes (Gochujang also works, if you don't have it)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar (regular white vinegar also works, if you don't have it)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Cut tofu into 1/2-inch thick squares. Pat both sides dry with a paper towel.
- Heat a non-stick skillet with 1-2 Tbsp neutral oil over medium heat. When the pan is hot but not smoking, add tofu. It will splatter so be careful! Cook until crispy and browned on one side, about 3-4 minutes. (Do not disturb! Let the tofu be!) Flip and repeat.
- Meanwhile, mix sauce ingredients (except water) into a small bowl. When the tofu has finished frying on the second side, keep the heat on medium and spoon sauce over the tofu squares. Then immediately add water into the pan.
- Simmer until sauce is reduced and the tofu has absorbed all that saucy flavor, about 5-6 minutes. Lower the heat if the saue is reducing too fast and burning. Shake the pan from time to time to prevent sticking. Feel free to add more water, 1-2 Tbsp at a time, if the sauce reduces too much. This step goes quickly so watch carefully!
- Transfer to a serving platter and make sure to spoon up all the pan sauce. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds. Serve with rice and kimchi. Enjoy!
Tried this recipe tonight and it turned out delicious! Thanks!
This is an amazing recipe! It’s spicy, sweet and savory. Great ban-chan (side dish) for any Korean meal! Thanks, Lis for an awesome tofu recipe!!