Korean Tuna Braised Tofu (Chamchi Dubu Jorim)

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this comforting Korean classic. Thick, soft tofu and savory canned tuna simmer together in a fiery, garlic-infused red chili broth.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm white tofu
• 150 g canned tuna
• 1/2 white onion
• 1/2 stalk green onion
• 1 green chili pepper
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 300 ml water
• 1 tbsp soup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp tuna fish sauce
• 1/2 tbsp chicken bouillon
• 1/2 tbsp beef seasoning powder
• 2 tbsp coarse red chili flakes (gochugaru)
• to taste sesame oil

Instructions

1. 1Slice the Onion

   

   Take half of a white onion and cut it into clean strips using a cleaver on a wooden cutting board, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.

   Tip: Cut the onions evenly so they cook at a consistent rate at the bottom of the pan.
2. 2Slice the Tofu

   

   Take a block of firm white tofu and slice it into thick rectangular pieces, making sure not to cut them too thin so they maintain their texture.

   Tip: Keep the tofu slices thick so they hold their shape well while braising.
3. 3Layer the Onions

   

   Spread the freshly sliced onions evenly across the bottom of a shallow cooking pan.

   Tip: Laying the onions at the bottom prevents the tofu from sticking and adds sweetness to the broth.
4. 4Arrange the Tofu

   

   Place the thick slices of tofu in a single, slightly overlapping layer directly on top of the bed of onions in the pan.

   Tip: Arrange them neatly to cover the base of the pan evenly.
5. 5Add Canned Tuna

   

   Spoon approximately 150 grams of canned tuna directly into the center over the arranged layers of onions and tofu in the pan.

   Tip: Use about 150 grams of canned tuna to give the dish a rich aroma and thick broth.
6. 6Add Minced Garlic

   

   Add a scoop of minced garlic to the pan, resting it right on the tofu alongside the tuna.

   Tip: Minced garlic enhances the savory depth of the braising liquid.
7. 7Add Water for Broth

   

   Pour 300 milliliters of clear water from a bottle directly into the pan over the sliced onions, tofu, garlic, and tuna to form the simmering broth base for the braised tofu.

   Tip: Adding the water directly allows the seasonings and ingredients to blend smoothly into a rich broth.
8. 8Add Soup Soy Sauce

   

   Drizzle soup soy sauce from a spoon over the layered tofu, canned tuna, and minced garlic in the pan to impart a savory base flavor and rich color.

   Tip: Add the soy sauce evenly across the ingredients so the flavors distribute well during simmering.
9. 9Add Seasonings

   

   Layer on the tuna fish sauce, chicken bouillon, beef seasoning powder, and coarse red chili flakes evenly over the ingredients to build the signature savory heat.

   Tip: Measure the seasoning powders carefully to ensure the broth achieves a balanced and rich flavor.
10. 10Add Green Onions and Chili Peppers

    

    Generously scatter fresh sliced green onions and green chili peppers over the top of the ingredients and coarse chili flakes in the pan to add a fresh aroma and spicy kick.

    Tip: Distribute the greens evenly so every section gets a burst of fresh flavor.
11. 11Simmer the Braised Tofu

    

    Turn on the heat and bring the seasoned liquid to a boil. Let it simmer vigorously until the broth reduces slightly, allowing the rich flavors to deeply infuse the tofu and tuna.

    Tip: Let it simmer until the broth reduces slightly and deeply infuses the tofu and tuna.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions