Spicy Braised Tofu Duruchigi (두부두루치기) – A Hearty & Healthy Korean Comfort Dish

Tofu Duruchigi (두부두루치기) is a spicy, hearty, and nutritious Korean dish where tofu is simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce with vegetables. Unlike traditional pork or beef duruchigi, this plant-based version is lighter yet packed with bold flavors from gochujang, soy sauce, and garlic. The addition of mushrooms enhances the umami, while anchovy tablet or rice-washed water provides a deep, savory broth.

This dish is perfect for a healthy, protein-packed meal and pairs wonderfully with rice.

Equipment

• Pot
• Chopping board
• Cooking knife

Ingredients

• Main ingredient
  • firm tofu
  • onion
  • green onion
  • mushrooms (any variety)
  • water
  • anchovy tablet (or 1½ cups rice-washed water)
• Seasoning Sauce
  • soy sauce
  • gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • corn syrup (or honey/rice syrup)
  • fish sauce (or tuna extract, optional)
  • mirin (or matsul, Korean cooking wine)
  • gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
  • minced garlic
  • minced ginger
  • dashi powder (optional, for extra umami)
  • sugar

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine all seasoning sauce ingredients and mix well.
   
   
   
   
2. Slice the Ingredients.
   Tofu → Cut into bite-sized cubes.
   
   
   
   
   Onion → Slice into thin half-moon shapes.
   Green onion → Cut into 3-4 cm pieces.
   Mushrooms → Cut into bite-sized pieces.
   
   
   
   
3. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of a pot. Add 1 anchovy tablet and 1½ cups water (or rice-washed water).
   
   
   
   
4. Layer the tofu, mushrooms, and green onion on top. Pour the seasoning sauce over everything.
   
   
   
   
5. Turn the heat to high and bring the pot to a boil. While boiling, scoop broth from the bottom and pour over the tofu to help the sauce mix evenly.
   
   
   
   
6. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   
   
   
   
7. Once the sauce is well-absorbed and slightly thickened, transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy with steamed rice and banchan (Korean side dishes)!
   
   
   

Tips

• For a richer broth, replace water with vegetable or anchovy broth.
• For extra protein, add sliced fish cake or soft-boiled eggs in the last 5 minutes of simmering.
• For a spicier kick, add sliced red chili peppers or a dash of extra gochugaru.
• For a vegetarian version, omit fish sauce and anchovy tablet. Instead, use kombu (kelp) or mushroom powder for umami.