How it is used
Pat firm tofu dry before frying. Add delicate soft tofu near the end and simmer gently so it holds broad, spoonable pieces.
Ingredient guide
Korean Recipes With Tofu
Tofu moves easily between quiet banchan and bold stews. Choose firm tofu for browning and braising, and soft tofu when the broth should remain silky.
Storage
After opening, refrigerate tofu submerged in fresh water, change the water daily, and use it promptly.
Substitutes
Use the nearest tofu firmness available. For stir-fries and rice bowls, cooked beans or mushrooms can help fill out the dish.
Recipes
Soups & Stews
Black Sesame Tofu Rice Soup(흑임자 두부국)
A smooth rice and tofu soup enriched with finely ground toasted black sesame seeds.
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Soups & Stews
Budae Jjigae with Crown Daisy(쑥갓부대찌개)
A spicy stew of ham, zucchini, tofu, enoki mushrooms, kimchi, and chili pepper simmered in kelp broth and finished with fresh crown daisy.
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Main Dishes
Easy Soy Milk Noodles(간편콩국수)
Buckwheat noodles served in a creamy tofu-soy milk broth with stir-fried mushrooms, zucchini, onion, and colorful chilies.
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Side Dishes
Grilled Tofu with Seasoned Kimchi and Wild Chives(달래두부김치무침)
Golden pan-grilled tofu topped with a savory mixture of kimchi, wild chives, red bell pepper, sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes.
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Soups & Stews
Kimchi Stew with Pork Meatballs(완자김치찌개)
A savory kimchi stew with steamed pork and tofu meatballs, bean sprouts, and a deeply flavored beef broth.
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Soups & Stews
Maesaengi and Soft Tofu Soup(매생이순두부탕)
Tender maesaengi seaweed, mussels, and soft tofu are simmered in a kelp, anchovy, and barley soybean paste broth.
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Soups & Stews
Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Soup(배추된장국)
A light soybean paste soup with napa cabbage, tofu, onion, green onion, and chili simmered in anchovy broth and rice-rinsing water.
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Soups & Stews
Oyster and Tofu Soup(굴 두부 국)
A delicate kelp-broth soup with oysters, tofu, green onion, seaweed, and red chili, finished with sesame oil.
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Soups & Stews
Potato and Oyster Mushroom Soup(감자느타리버섯국)
A light anchovy-kelp soup with potato, oyster mushrooms, tofu, green onion, red chili, garlic, and shredded kelp.
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Soups & Stews
Seafood Kimchi Stew(해물김치찌개)
A savory kimchi stew with webfoot octopus, tofu, enoki mushrooms, radish, and onion, balanced with pear juice and seafood broth.
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Side Dishes
Seasoned Hijiki and Tofu(톳나물 두부무침)
Blanched hijiki seaweed and steamed tofu are mixed with garlic, sesame, sesame oil, and a small amount of sea salt for a simple side dish.
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Side Dishes
Seasoned Sweet Potato Stems(고구마순나물)
Blanched sweet potato stems and onion tossed in a creamy doenjang and tofu dressing with black sesame, vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil.
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Soups & Stews
Shrimp and Young Napa Cabbage Doenjang Soup(새우단배추된장국)
A savory doenjang soup with young napa cabbage, dried shrimp, tofu, vegetables, and a flavorful radish, anchovy, and kelp broth.
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Soups & Stews
Soft Tofu Stew with Perilla Seed(들깨순두부찌개)
A mild, nutty soft tofu stew with oysters, assorted mushrooms, radish, vegetables, and ground perilla seeds in a seafood broth.
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Soups & Stews
Soybean Paste Soup(된장국)
A mild soybean paste soup with tofu, potato, onion, oyster mushrooms, and green onion, blended for a smooth, savory broth.
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Soups & Stews
Soybean Paste Tofu Stew(된장 두부찌개)
A hearty tofu stew with pork, rinsed kimchi, soybean paste, chili peppers, and green onion in a creamy rice-water and tofu base.
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Rice Dishes
Spring Greens Rice(봄나물밥)
Brown rice and short-grain rice are cooked with crown daisy and wild chives, then served with a mild tofu sauce made with gochujang, doenjang, and kelp broth.
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Soups & Stews
Squid Kimchi Stew(오징어김치찌개)
A hearty kimchi stew with squid, tofu, enoki mushrooms, sweet potato, bean sprouts, crown daisy, and a savory anchovy-kelp broth.
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Side Dishes
Steamed Kabocha Squash and Tofu(단호박 두부찜)
Steamed kabocha squash and blanched tofu are served with sautéed garlic and green chili and a lightly seasoned soy-based sauce.
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Side Dishes25 min
Korean Braised Tofu(두부조림)
Golden tofu simmered briefly in a garlicky soy and gochugaru sauce until the edges absorb the seasoning.
EasyMild
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Soups & Stews30 min
Soft Tofu Stew(순두부찌개)
A bubbling red stew built around silky soft tofu, kimchi, and a clean anchovy broth.
MediumMedium
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Soups & Stews37 min
Doenjang Stew(된장찌개)
An earthy soybean paste stew with tofu, zucchini, potato, and onion in anchovy broth.
EasyNot Spicy
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Soups & Stews40 min
Kimchi Stew(김치찌개)
A hearty home-style stew where aged kimchi, pork, and tofu simmer into a rich, tangy broth.
EasyMedium
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