Easy Korean Tofu Broccoli Salad (Dubu Broccoli Muchim)

Easy Korean Tofu Broccoli Salad (Dubu Broccoli Muchim) – Healthy & Nutty Korean Side Dish

👨‍🍳 Tysoon's Korean Kitchen / Authentic Korean Recipes Made Easy
────────────────────
🇪🇸 Spanish Version:
Ensalada Coreana de Tofu y Brócoli (Dubu Broccoli Muchim)
https://tysoonkorea.blogspot.com/2026/08/ensalada-coreana-de-tofu-y-brocoli-dubu.html
────────────────────

What Is This Korean Dish?

Korean Tofu Broccoli Salad, or Dubu Broccoli Muchim, is a simple Korean-style side dish combining soft tofu, lightly blanched broccoli, and a savory, nutty seasoning. The tofu provides a tender texture while the broccoli stays pleasantly firm after a quick blanching. Trail mix adds extra texture and small bursts of sweetness from the dried fruit, creating an interesting contrast with the savory seasonings.

Perilla oil and perilla seed powder give the salad its distinctive Korean nutty aroma, while soy sauce, flavored salt, and black pepper keep the seasoning simple and balanced. Unlike heavily dressed salads, this dish relies on the natural textures of its ingredients and gentle hand-mixing. It can be served as a banchan, or Korean side dish, alongside rice and other Korean dishes, and it is especially enjoyable chilled.

Why You'll Love This Recipe?

This recipe uses simple ingredients and only requires brief blanching, so it is easy to prepare at home. The combination of tofu and broccoli makes the salad satisfying without feeling heavy, while the trail mix adds a pleasantly crunchy and chewy contrast.

The perilla oil and perilla seed powder bring a rich, nutty Korean flavor that makes this salad different from a typical broccoli or tofu salad. It can also be prepared ahead of time and chilled before serving.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 block Firm Tofu (290g / 10 oz)
• 1 head Broccoli (260g / 9 oz)
• 2 Tbsp Trail Mix

Seasoning

• 1 tsp Soy sauce (regular/dark)
• 1/3 tsp Flavored salt (or fine sea salt)
• 2 tsp Perilla oil (or toasted sesame oil)
• 1 tsp Perilla seed powder (optional, or toasted sesame seeds)
• A pinch of Black pepper

For Blanching

• 1/2 tsp Salt

How to Make It

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Cut the tofu into large cubes. Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Roughly chop the nuts from the trail mix for extra texture, while keeping the dried fruits whole.

Step 2: Blanch the Tofu

Bring 1,000ml (about 4 cups) of water to a boil in a pot. Add the cubed tofu, blanch for 30 seconds, then drain using a mesh strainer.

Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli

In the same pot of boiling water, add 1/2 tsp of salt. Once it boils again, add the broccoli florets and blanch for 30 seconds. Drain and let them cool in a strainer.

Step 4: Drain & Combine

Place the drained broccoli into a mixing bowl. Wrap the blanched tofu in a cheesecloth (or paper towels) to squeeze out excess moisture, gently crumble it, and add it to the bowl.

Step 5: Season & Toss

Add the prepared trail mix to the bowl. Add soy sauce, flavored salt, black pepper, perilla oil, and perilla seed powder. Toss everything gently with your hands until well combined and coated. Enjoy!

▶️ Watch how to make this recipe step by step

Storage

Store the Korean Tofu Broccoli Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The salad may release some moisture over time. If this happens, give it a gentle toss before serving.

For the best texture and flavor, enjoy it cold.

Ingredient Substitutions for International Readers

If some Korean ingredients are difficult to find where you live, these simple substitutions work well without significantly changing the character of the dish:

• Flavored salt → Fine sea salt
• Perilla oil → Toasted sesame oil
• Perilla seed powder → Toasted and crushed sesame seeds

Perilla oil and perilla seed powder are often available at Korean or Asian grocery stores. If you can find them, they provide the most distinctive nutty flavor for this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, but fresh broccoli has a better texture.

Q: Can I skip the trail mix?
A: Yes, but it adds great texture and flavor.

Q: Can I skip the perilla seed powder?
A: It's recommended for the nutty flavor, but you can substitute it with ground sesame seeds.

🥦 Related Korean Recipes

1. Easy Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim) Recipe

2. Easy Korean Stir-Fried Tofu and Eggs with Vegetables

3. Easy Korean Seasoned Spinach (Sigeumchi Muchim)

Enjoy your Korean cooking! 👨‍🍳