Spicy Gochujang Sesame Tofu. Fried tofu smothered in a delicious, spicy saucy gochujang based sauce with a hint of sesame. This vegan gochujang Korean tofu is quick to make in under 30 minutes or less and is fantastic for lunch or dinner. It is also great for meal prep too!
If you’re not a fan of spice but you love tofu, check out these delicious tofu recipes:
JAPANESE STICKY TERIYAKI TOFU
SWEET AND STICKY TOFU
ASIAN BREADED TOFU NUGGETS
SILKEN TOFU WITH ONION AND GARLIC
I’ve been on a real kick with tofu lately! I just love finding new ways to make it delicious since it’s a fantastic source of plant-based protein! I was trying to find new ways to enjoy this ingredient and I thought, ‘Why not make a Korean-style tofu with gochujang paste as the base?’. And so off to the kitchen I did to experiment and what a tasty delight! I should not be shocked to be honest because gochujang is so good on its own if you lick it off the spoon anyway!
Quick and Easy to make!
This gochujang tofu recipe comes together very quickly and there are many steps involved! Just pat dry that block of extra firm tofu, slice it into bite sized rectangles. Then in another bowl, whisk together your sauce ingredients. Fry the tofu blocks in oil until golden and crispy, about 20 minutes and then pour in that sauce and let it simmer. Then serve to enjoy!
This tofu gochujang is really that simple and totally worth trying if you enjoy tofu and spice! There is also no gochujang tofu marinade involved! If you love Korean flavours, then this is truly the recipe for you!
Tips for making gochujang glazed tofu
- Below I’ll share some tips to best the best spicy sweet gochujang tofu recipe! These tips are only meant to guide you:
- Use extra firm tofu for this gochujang and tofu recipe. I would not recommend using medium or soft tofu. Even firm tofu may be difficult to work with but feel free to try!
- Pat dry that tofu before frying. This is the trick to getting it crispier!
- Be patient when browning the tofu. Brown on both sides for 20 minutes over medium heat. Avoid using high heat or you will burn the tofu.
- Use a whisk to blend your sauce ingredients well. Otherwise you may have chunks of gochujang paste swimming in your sauce.
- After pouring your glaze over your tofu, let it simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes to thicken it. If you don’t thicken it, the sauce will slide right off the tofu.
FAQ
Is Gochujang spicy?
Yes, gochujang paste is spicy but very delicious! You can also find this paste is a variety of spice levels from mild to very hot.
What can I do with spicy tofu?
You can serve it over rice, noodles or have this dish with veggies! It’s a very versatile protein dish!
Is Gochujang vegetarian?
Yes, gochujang is actually vegan.
For this recipe
You will need the following ingredients for my gochujang tofu bowl:
- 450 grams tofu, extra firm, sliced into rectangles
- 1 stalk green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
- ½ tbsp cooking oil
Gochujang glaze:
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp gochugaru
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sugar
How to make Gochujang spicy Korean tofu
- Strain the water from your tofu and allow the tofu to sit in a colander for a couple of minutes. Then pat dry with a clean towel. Slice into bite size rectangles.
- In a small bowl, whisk together your glaze ingredients until well combined.
- Then in a non-stick pan set over medium heat, add your cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully lower tofu into the pan and fry on both sides for 7 minutes, or golden crispy brown.
- Once tofu is golden and crispy, pour in the glaze and let it simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until thick, smooth and glossy.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with green onions (optional).
Other recipes you may like!
I also share other recipes like this gochujang tofu with scallions so check them out below:
TOFU KATSU SANDO
HOISIN TOFU LETTUCE WRAPS
TOFU KATSU
CHINESE SALT & PEPPER TOFU
MALAYSIAN CURRY TOFU
Give it a try!
Well, I hope you give my Spicy Gochujang Sesame Tofu a try! It always excites me when you guys make my recipes and I hope this is one you try.
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Christie
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Spicy Gochujang Sesame Tofu (30-min. Recipe)
Ingredients
- 450 grams tofu extra firm, sliced into rectangles
- 1 stalk green onions sliced (optional garnish)
- ½ tbsp cooking oil
Gochujang glaze:
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp gochugaru
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Strain the water from your tofu and allow the tofu to sit in a colander for a couple of minutes. Then pat dry with a clean towel. Slice into bite size rectangles.
- In a small bowl, whisk together your glaze ingredients until well combined.
- Then in a non-stick pan set over medium heat, add your cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully lower tofu into the pan and fry on both sides for 7 minutes, or golden crispy brown.
- Once tofu is golden and crispy, pour in the glaze and let it simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until thick, smooth and glossy.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with green onions (optional).
Suggest Equipment & Products
Notes
- Use extra firm tofu for this gochujang and tofu recipe. I would not recommend using medium or soft tofu. Even firm tofu may be difficult to work with but feel free to try!
- Pat dry that tofu before frying. This is the trick to getting it crispier!
- Be patient when browning the tofu. Brown on both sides for 20 minutes over medium heat. Avoid using high heat or you will burn the tofu.
- Use a whisk to blend your sauce ingredients well. Otherwise you may have chunks of gochujang paste swimming in your sauce.
- After pouring your glaze over your tofu, let it simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes to thicken it. If you don’t thicken it, the sauce will slide right off the tofu.
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