This post’ll explore tofu’s history,
traditional recipes, and modern adaptations, equipping you with easy recipes
and practical tips for creating your tofu dishes.
The Origins and History of Tofu
Tofu's exact origins are widely debated. The most popular theories attribute its invention to Liu An, a Chinese prince during the Han dynasty(206 BCE–220 CE) or earlier during the Western Han era(206 BCE–9 CE).
It’s believed tofu arrived on the Korean Peninsula in the Goryeo Dynasty(918–1392) through trade with the Yuan Dynasty(1271–1368).
Historical texts such as Mogeunjip,
a collection by scholar Lee Saek, indicate that Koreans were already enjoying
tofu by then.
During the Joseon Dynasty(1392–1910), tofu gained royal endorsement, with King Sejong praising it as “meat from the fields. " Later, scholars noted its nutritional value and accessibility.
King Sejong (1397–1450) was the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty, celebrated for his support of scientific innovation, cultural development, and the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet, to improve literacy among his people.
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| Tofu [Photo credit] Korea Tourism Organization, Kim Jiho |
Tofu: The Ideal Choice for Health
Tofu, often called “meat from the fields,”
is made from soybeans and offers high-quality protein, aiding muscle growth and
repair.
Rich in essential amino acids, calcium,
iron, potassium, and fiber, it supports bone health, cardiovascular wellness,
neural function, and digestive health.
Low in fat, tofu is also excellent for
weight management.
Traditional Tofu Dishes: The Flavors of Korea
Tofu has been a beloved side dish and a mainstay
in Korean cuisine for centuries.
Sundubu-jjigae: Soft tofu, seafood, and chili oil combine in this spicy, warming
stew, perfect for cold weather.
Tofu Jorim: Thick tofu slices simmered in soy-based sauce create a savory side
that’s easy to prepare and hard to resist.
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| Tofu Jorim [Photo credit] Korea Tourism Organization, Kim Jiho |
Tofu Jeon: Crushed tofu mixed with vegetables and pan-fried until golden,
traditionally served on special occasions.
Modern Tofu Creations: Global Appeal and New Twists
The global rise of tofu is highlighted in
the 2024 Netflix cooking competition Chef Wars: Culinary Hierarchies,
where 27 innovative tofu recipes were showcased.
Tofu is now featured in Western and
Japanese dishes, aligned with the vegan trend and adapted in creative ways.
Tofu Steak: Thick tofu slices pan-seared with olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic
create a simple yet satisfying alternative to meat.
Mapo Tofu: This Sichuan classic combines tofu with ground pork in a spicy
sauce, perfect served over rice.
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| Mapo Tofu [Photo credit] Pixabay |
Tofu Scramble: Crumbled tofu cooked with salt, pepper, and chopped veggies makes
an easy, nutritious breakfast.
Tofu Salad: Diced tofu mixed with fresh vegetables and a soy-based dressing
offers a light, refreshing meal for vegetarians.
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| Tofu Salad [Photo credit] Pixabay, Joanna Wielgosz |
Crispy Tofu Bites: Coated in starch and pan-fried, these tofu cubes are tossed in a
spicy-sweet sauce, delivering a mouthful of flavors.
Easy-to-Follow Tofu Recipes
5.1 Pan-fried Tofu
Recipe:
[Ingredients]
- 1/2 block of tofu
- 1–2 eggs
- Salt (to taste)
- Flour (as needed)
- Cooking oil (as needed)
[Preparation]
① Cut the tofu into slightly thick, large
square pieces and drain the water.
② Lightly season the tofu with fine salt,
then coat it lightly with flour.
③ Beat the eggs and set aside.
[Cooking & Finishing]
④ Heat cooking oil in a preheated frying
pan.
⑤ Dip the tofu pieces in the beaten egg
and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Tips:
All the ingredients can be found at a
Korean market.
Essential Korean Spices and Sauces: A Comprehensive Guide for Home Cooks
5.2 Braised Tofu (Tofu Jorim)
Recipe:
[Ingredients]
- 1 block of tofu (300g)
- 1 small can of tuna (80g, optional)
- 1 stalk of green onion
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper
- 1/2 red chili pepper
- 300ml of water or broth
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon tuna fish sauce
- Cooking oil (as needed)
- Sesame seeds (as needed)
[Preparation]
① Use a paper towel to remove excess
moisture from the tofu.
② Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
③ Drain the oil from the tuna can.
④ Slice the green onion, Cheongyang chili
pepper, and red chili pepper.
[Cooking & Finishing]
⑤ Preheat a pot or pan over medium-low
heat, then add a generous amount of cooking oil (5–6 tablespoons).
⑥ Sauté the minced garlic and green onion
over medium-low heat, being careful not to burn them.
⑦ Reduce the heat to low, then add the red
chili powder and gochujang, stirring well to create a chili-infused oil. Be
cautious to prevent burning.
⑧ Add water or anchovy broth, mixing well
with the chili oil mixture.
⑨ Increase the heat to medium-high, then
add the prepared tofu pieces to the sauce.
⑩ When the broth begins to simmer, spoon
some of it over the tofu as it reduces.
⑪ Add the tuna fish sauce.
⑫ Sprinkle the sliced Cheongyang and red
chili peppers evenly over the tofu.
⑬ Simmer for 5–10 minutes, adjusting the
broth level to your preference.
⑭ Place the tuna on top of the tofu.
⑮ Once fully reduced, garnish with green onion, black pepper, and sesame seeds to finish.
Reference:
Naver Blog, Leslie’s Simple Cooking Stories (Korean)
Tips:
All the ingredients can be found at a
Korean market.
The Cheongyang chili pepper is a Korean chili variety known for its intense spiciness, often used in Korean cuisine to add heat and flavor to dishes like stews and stir-fries.
Essential Korean Spices and Sauces: A Comprehensive Guide for Home Cooks
Choosing the Right Tofu for Your Dish
Soft Tofu:
Ideal for soups and stews like Sundubu-jjigae.
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| Chodang Sundubu (Chodang Soft Tofu) [Photo credit] Korea Tourism Organization, Kim Jiho |
Silken Tofu:
Perfect for cold salads or creamy dips.
Firm Tofu:
Best for grilling or stir-frying, retaining its shape and absorbing flavors.
Storing and Preserving Tofu
Tofu, with its high water content, requires
careful storage.
Refrigeration: Keep tofu in water in the fridge, changing the water daily to
maintain freshness.
Freezing:
Frozen tofu becomes firmer after thawing, making it suitable for stir-fries and
stews.
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| Tofu Kimchi [Photo credit] Korea Tourism Organization, Kim Jiho |
Closing Thoughts: Endless Possibilities with Tofu
Tofu beautifully bridges traditional
flavors with modern creativity, offering endless culinary possibilities.
By embracing tofu recipes, you can bring
variety and nutrition to your table, enhancing daily meals with a simple yet
versatile ingredient.
Explore combining tofu with vegetables,
meats, and sauces to create unique, flavorful dishes tailored to your taste.
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