This braised tofu recipe is a simple, satisfying, and savory dish that's rich in umami flavor. It is easy and so effortless to make it just perfect to prepare even on a busy work day. Whether you’re new to tofu or a longtime fan, this dish is a must-try!
It is truly one of the easiest tofu dish to make. And if you don't like tofu because it tastes bland, give this braised tofu dish a try and it might change your mind.
What is Braised Tofu?
Braised tofu is a popular tofu dish made by pan-frying tofu until mild brown and then simmering it in a rich, savory sauce. The tofu absorbs the braising liquid, becoming incredibly flavorful and tender.
Unlike bland or soggy tofu, this version is full of umami and texture — perfect served with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Braised Tofu Recipe
- High in protein and completely plant-based
- Rich, savory flavors thanks to soy sauce, garlic, and ginger
- Crispy on the outside, tender inside
- Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners
- Easy to customize with vegetables or spices
Ingredients You Need
Firm Tofu - Drain the liquid and press the tofu with a clean cloth for 30 minutes to release most of the moisture.
Garlic - Use finely chopped garlic for the best flavor instead of using garlic powder.
What's in the sauce - Soy sauce, Mirin, Sesame Oil, Rice Vinegar, Sesame seeds, Gochugaru mixed with water.
Green Onion - You can use onion too, but I like to use green onion in this dish for aroma and subtle onion flavor.
Honey - You can either add brown sugar to the sauce or drizzle honey as the sauce simmers with tofu. The hint of sweetness will help to balance all the flavor.
Steps to prepare
Drain the liquid and press the tofu with a clean cloth for 30 minutes to release most of the moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes or rectangles.
Prepare the sauce by mixing all the required ingredients in a glass.
Chop the green onion if using
Heat oil in a nonstick or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
Add tofu pieces in a single layer. Pan-fry until mild golden brown on all sides (about 3–5 minutes per side).
Remove the fried tofu to the side and add a little more oil to sauce the minced garlic and some of the green onions. Sauté for 1 minute. Then toss it all together.
To the pan now add the sauce and mix it around.
Add honey and bring the heat down. Let the sauce simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Toss the tofu pieces in between.
Finish it by garnishing it with more green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Pro Tips for the Best Braised Tofu
- Press your tofu well to prevent it from breaking while pan-frying.
- Use dark soy sauce for richer color and deeper flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying tofu – crisp edges are key!
- Adjust sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness to your taste.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use mushrooms instead of tofu for a braised mushroom dish.
- Add toasted peanuts or cashews for crunch.
- Turn it into a braised tofu noodle bowl with rice noodles.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in a pan with a splash of water or in the microwave.
- Freeze: Not recommended — tofu texture changes when frozen.
FAQs
Firm or extra-firm tofu is ideal because it holds its shape during cooking. Silken or soft tofu is too delicate and may break apart.
Yes, pressing the tofu helps remove excess water, allowing it to absorb more flavor and achieve a better texture when pan-fried.
It can be. Traditional recipes are often vegetarian or vegan, especially in Asian cuisine. However, some versions may include meat, fish sauce, or oyster sauce, so always check or adjust ingredients.
Generally, yes. Tofu is high in plant-based protein and low in saturated fat. Depending on the sauce (watch sodium and sugar), it can be a healthy addition to most diets.
More TOFU recipes to try:
Braised Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 Block Firm Tofu
- 3 Garlic cloves
- 2 Green Onion
- Little drizzle of honey
- 2 tablespoon Oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Mirin
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 2 tablespoon Rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds
- ½ tablespoon Gochugaru
- ¼ Cup Water
Instructions
Prepare the sauce
- Mix everything mentioned under the ingredient list for sauce and whisk. Keep aside. NOTE: If you don't want to use honey, add 1 tablespoon brown sugar to the sauce mix.
- Drain the water from the Tofu and wrap it with a clean cloth and press it with something heavy. Leave it aside for 10 to 15 minutes to remove all the excess moisture.
- Dice the Tofu into 1-inch cubes or rectangles.
- Mince the garlic and they finely chop the green onions.
- Heat a pan and pour the oil. Once the oil heats up, add the tofu pieces in one layer and let it sizzle for a couple minutes. Then turn and let it cook to golden brown on the other side too.
- Once done, make some room in the center by pushing the tofus one the side and pour a little oil in the center. Add the grated/minced garlic and the half of the green onion. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour the sauce that you had made earlier and toss around the tofu. Let the sauce simmer in low heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Toss the tofu once in between.
- Finish it by garnishing with some chopped green onion.
- Enjoy with rice
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