Description
This Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu recipe features perfectly crispy tofu cubes coated with a spicy, tangy Korean chili paste sauce. With a blend of savory soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, this dish delivers bold, authentic Korean flavors. It’s pan-fried to a golden crisp and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a delightful texture and freshness. Perfect as a flavorful vegan main or appetizer, ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Coating
- 1 block firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Tofu: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cooking area clean and ready.
- Press and Cube Tofu: Press the firm tofu to remove excess moisture, ensuring it crisps well during cooking. Then cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes for even cooking and easy eating.
- Coat Tofu with Cornstarch: Place the tofu cubes in a bowl and toss them with cornstarch until evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior when frying.
- Pan-Fry Tofu: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they turn crispy and golden brown. This frying step locks in texture and flavor.
- Prepare Gochujang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, Gochujang, rice vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, and ginger. This sauce packs a punch of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors typical of Korean cuisine.
- Coat Tofu with Sauce: Transfer the crispy tofu to a bowl and pour the prepared Gochujang sauce over it. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly, allowing the tofu to soak up the delicious sauce without losing its crispiness.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add nutty flavors and a fresh crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy the tofu at its crispiest.
Notes
- Press tofu thoroughly to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of Gochujang based on your preferred spice level.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey for a different sweetness profile.
- This tofu dish is best served fresh to maintain the crispy texture.
- Use firm tofu to prevent crumbling during frying.
