Korean Braised Tofu and King Oyster Mushrooms
Quick answer
- Total time
- 30 min
- Level
- Easy
- Servings
- 2 servings
- Ingredients
- 10
About this dish
Saesongi dubu yangnyeom jorim is a braised side dish of firm tofu and king oyster mushrooms cooked down in a sauce of soy sauce, gochujang, and Korean chili flakes until the liquid is nearly gone and every surface is glazed.
Read more
Pan-searing the tofu first over low heat until golden builds a crust that keeps it intact through braising and gives the seasoning somewhere to grip. Thick-cut king oyster mushrooms stay springy even after the long braise, while onion woven through the pot contributes a sweetness that softens the heat of the gochujang. Sesame oil stirred in at the end draws all the aromatics together into a cohesive finish. The result is a banchan with layers, gochujang spice, deep soy saltiness, and a savory earthiness from the mushrooms, that holds its flavor cold, making it a natural fit for packed lunches.
Ingredients
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Instructions
Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.
- 1Prep
Slice 300 g firm tofu into 1.5 cm slabs, then press both sides gently with paper towels.
If the surface still looks wet, let it stand for 5 more minutes so it sears instead of steaming.
- 2Prep
Halve 180 g king oyster mushrooms lengthwise and cut them thick enough to stay springy during braising.
Slice 80 g onion thinly, then chop 30 g green onion and keep it aside for the final minute.
- 3Season
Whisk 2.5 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon gochujang, 1 teaspoon Korean chili flakes, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and 180 ml water. Break up the gochujang completely so the sauce coats evenly later.
- 4Control
Heat the pan over low heat and lay the tofu in a single layer.
Sear slowly until both sides turn light golden and the edges feel firmer, then move the tofu out so it does not break while vegetables cook.
- 5Control
Add the king oyster mushrooms and onion to the same pan and cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
When the onion begins to turn translucent and the mushrooms look glossy, place the seared tofu back on top.
- 6Control
Pour in the sauce and braise over medium heat for about 8 minutes, spooning sauce over the tofu if needed.
When the liquid reduces and clings to the tofu, add green onion and 1 teaspoon sesame oil, then simmer 1 more minute.
Practical Cooking Checks
The cues that matter most while cooking.
- Key technique
- Saesongi dubu yangnyeom jorim combines pan-seared tofu and king oyster mushrooms in a thick, gochujang-based glaze.
- Finish cue
- When the onion begins to turn translucent and the mushrooms look glossy, place the seared tofu back on top.
Cooking decision evidence
Calculated Charim data and applicable official cooking and food safety guidance.
This recipe
30min, 10 ingredients
Category median
45min, 8 ingredients
Based on 183 recipes
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