For those of you who eat Korean food on a regular basis, you know that there are a bunch of side dishes that accompany every meal. Ban chan can vary, depending on what kind of produce is available that day. There is a variety of vegetables that are sauteed, boiled, and/or flavored. And of course, Kimchi is served with every meal.
This is my attempt to replicate my mom’s delicious tofu side dish. I loveeee tofu. It’s not only healthy, but you can pretty much add it to anything for extra protein. 
I keep justifying my not-as-good-as-mom’s recipes by telling myself that my mom has many many years of experience. I’m sure mine will taste better with time. At least, that’s my justification!
This second dish isn’t authentically Korean… but it sure is quick, easy and delicious. It makes a great weeknight side dish!!
Recipe: Tofu jjorim – Marinated tofu
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
1 container of medium to firm tofu (usually 12 oz.), sliced
2.5 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of gochugaru (dried red pepper flakes)
2 stalks of scalion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon of salt
A hint of sesame oil
A sprinkle of sesame seeds
Procedure:
1. The tofu needs to firm up, so that it doesn’t crumble when you simmer it in the marinade.
2. Coat frying pan with olive oil over high heat. Place tofu in pan. Reduce heat to medium and cook until each side is golden, about 2 minutes each.
3. In a separate pot, place tofu in layers and pour marinade over each layer with a spoon. Repeat until you’re done.
4. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 7 minutes. The marinade should have cooked through the tofu.
5. Serve cold or hot with rice.
Recipe: Scallion and crab jeon
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
3 eggs (I used organic but it shouldn’t matter)
5 sticks of crab meat (Japanese brand is the yummiest), shredded
1 stalk of scallion, sliced into paper thin strips
Salt and Pepper to taste
Procedure:
1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. In a pan, make each jeon about 2″, using a spoon. Make sure the egg doesn’t spread too wide.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes. It’s finished when the egg is cooked through.
4. Serve with rice.
September 9, 2008
Looks fab! What would you suggest in place of tofu? I love, but my husband is not a fan.