Haemul-dubu-jorim

Pan-fried tofu braised with shrimp, squid, and vegetables in a spicy soy sauce.

Haemul-dubu-jorim is an enriched variation of the classic dubu-jorim that adds the briny, sweet flavors of mixed seafood to the already-satisfying formula of fried tofu braised in a bold soy-chili sauce, creating a banchan of greater complexity and nutritional breadth. Firm tofu is first pan-fried until golden and set, then joined in the braising pan by shrimp, squid, clams, or a combination of available seafood alongside onions, green onions, and zucchini, all swimming in a sauce of gochugaru, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil that reduces to a glossy, fragrant coating. The seafood releases its natural juices as it cooks, enriching the sauce with an oceanic sweetness that permeates the tofu as it continues to absorb the braising liquid. This banchan is popular in coastal Korean households where fresh or frozen seafood is readily available and the combination of land (soy) and sea proteins in a single dish reflects the Korean talent for combining diverse ingredients harmoniously. Served with plain rice, haemul-dubu-jorim is a complete protein-vegetable banchan that requires nothing else to make a satisfying meal.