Print

Korean Gochujang Tofu Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 57 reviews

A flavorful Korean Tofu recipe featuring crispy pan-fried tofu cubes coated in a vibrant and spicy gochujang-based sauce, garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, ideal as a main or side dish for lovers of Korean cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Tofu

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu (16 ounces), pressed and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

Garnish

  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Whisk sauce: In a medium bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, water, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  2. Fry tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Gently add the pressed and cubed tofu into the pan. Fry the tofu, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Simmer: Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the fried tofu in the pan. Stir carefully to evenly coat all tofu pieces. Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat for another 5 to 8 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and infuse the tofu with flavor.
  4. Garnish and serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the tofu is well coated, transfer to a serving dish. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu before frying removes excess moisture for crispier texture.
  • Adjust the amount of gochujang according to preferred spice level.
  • Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or brown sugar for sweetness.

Keywords: Korean tofu, gochujang tofu, spicy tofu, pan-fried tofu, vegan Korean recipe