Spicy Braised Tofu with Beef Brisket is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of beef brisket with the delicate texture of tofu. The dish is enhanced by a savory sauce made from Korean chili powder, soy sauce, and other seasonings, creating a mouth-watering experience. Perfect for a weekend party, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and deep flavors.
Ingredient benefits
How the main ingredients in this dish support your health
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Tofu
Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and contains essential amino acids. It's also low in calories and can help with weight management.
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Beef brisket
Beef brisket is rich in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also provides important nutrients like iron and zinc.
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Onion
Onions are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. They contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
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Korean chili powder (Gochugaru)
Korean chili powder adds a spicy kick and is rich in vitamins A and C. It may also boost metabolism and improve digestion.
Preparation
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Step 1
Prep the ingredients by slicing the scallion into slightly thick rounds, julienning the onion to about 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) thick, and cutting the tofu into bite-sized pieces just under 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick. This should take about 5 minutes.
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Step 2
Make the sauce by combining the soy sauce, mirin, minced garlic, Korean chili powder, sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well to create a thick paste. This step will take around 3 minutes.
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Step 3 5 min
Cook the beef brisket by adding a generous amount of olive oil to a pan and cooking the beef over medium heat until it is completely browned and crispy. This is crucial for rendering enough beef fat to form the flavor base of the broth. This should take about 5 minutes.
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Step 4 2 min
Layer the ingredients by slightly lowering the heat to avoid burning. Spread the julienned onions evenly over the cooked beef, then neatly layer the tofu on top, overlapping the pieces by half. Finally, generously cover with the sliced scallions. This step will take about 2 minutes.
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Step 5 2 min
Add the sauce and water by placing the prepared thick seasoning sauce on top of the layered ingredients and pouring in enough water to almost reach the top of the tofu (approx. 600 ml). This will prevent burning while simmering. This step will take about 2 minutes.
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Step 6 10 min
Simmer and finish by turning the heat up to the highest setting. Once it starts boiling rapidly, use a spoon to scoop the boiling broth from the edges and pour it over the center to dissolve the thick sauce and chili powder. Simmer for a total of 10 minutes, starting with 5 minutes on high heat and then reducing to medium-low for another 5 minutes until the broth is slightly reduced and thick. This will take about 10 minutes.