Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu

If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, then you’ll love this Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu! This baked tofu is crispy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, this recipe will surely impress everyone at the table.

What makes this Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu special is its amazing balance of flavors. The spicy gochujang paired with the savory soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze that coats each piece of tofu beautifully. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with your favorite veggies or grains, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a flavorful dinner on the table in no time.
• Crispy Goodness: Baking the tofu ensures it gets wonderfully crispy without all the oil of frying.
• Family-Friendly: Even those who are new to tofu will love this dish; it’s fun, delicious, and satisfying!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it reheats beautifully.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of gochujang and sesame oil gives this dish a complex flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this mouthwatering Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu. You might already have some of these in your pantry!

For the Tofu

• 1 16 ounce block extra firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons gluten free breadcrumbs (can sub regular breadcrumbs)

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup low sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 1/4 cup gochujang/red chili paste (be sure to check if GF!)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable broth or water
• 3 tablespoons honey (sub maple syrup for vegan)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon water

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: If you’re not in the mood for tofu, try using tempeh or chickpeas instead; both absorb flavor beautifully.
• Add more veggies: Stir-fry some bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to serve alongside for added color and nutrition.
• Change up the sauce: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili for a unique taste experience.
• Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like an extra kick!

How to Make Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial because a hot oven helps achieve that perfect crispiness we all crave in our tofu.

Step 2: Prepare the Tofu

Remove your tofu from its package and drain off any excess liquid. Wrap it in a towel and gently press down to absorb even more moisture. This step is important as drier tofu will get crispier when baked!

Step 3: Cube and Coat

Cut your pressed tofu into roughly one-inch cubes and place them in a bowl. Toss them first with soy sauce so they soak up some flavor, then coat them with cornstarch followed by gluten-free breadcrumbs. Each layer adds texture and crunch!

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Spread your coated tofu cubes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced out—this allows hot air to circulate around them, which is key for getting them nice and crispy! Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes.

Step 5: Whisk Together Your Sauce

While the tofu bakes, whisk together all the sauce ingredients except for the cornstarch and water in a small pot. This mixture brings all those vibrant flavors together as it heats up.

Step 6: Thicken Your Sauce

In another bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Add this mixture to your sauce pot and heat over low/medium heat until it begins to bubble and thicken. Be sure to stir continuously so nothing sticks!

Step 7: Combine Tofu and Sauce

Once your tofu has finished baking (and cooled slightly), transfer it to a bowl and toss with half of your delicious sauce until everything is coated nicely. Reserve the rest of the sauce for drizzling when serving.

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Serve your Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu over warm rice alongside fresh veggies like cucumber, carrots, or avocado. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu

To make sure your tofu turns out perfectly crispy and full of flavor, keep these handy tips in mind!

• Press the tofu well: The more liquid you remove from the tofu, the crispier it will become. Pressing helps achieve that ideal texture, allowing it to absorb more flavors.
• Use a single layer on the baking sheet: Spacing out the tofu cubes prevents them from steaming each other while baking, leading to a crunchier result.
• Let it rest after baking: Allowing the tofu to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it firm up even more and enhances its crispiness.
• Double-coat with breadcrumbs: For an extra crunchy texture, consider dipping the tofu cubes in cornstarch again before coating them with breadcrumbs. It adds another layer of crispness!
• Experiment with spice levels: Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick!

How to Serve Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu

This dish not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful when served! Here are some ideas on how to present your Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu for an eye-catching meal.

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Chopped green onions: Freshly chopped green onions bring a burst of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors.
• Sliced chilies: For those who enjoy extra heat, adding thinly sliced fresh chilies can elevate the dish both in flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli complements the crispy tofu perfectly and adds vibrant color to your plate.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar lends a cool contrast to the spiciness of the gochujang sauce.
• Carrot sticks: Crunchy carrot sticks can provide a sweet balance and are great for dipping into any leftover sauce.
• Jasmine or basmati rice: Fluffy rice serves as a perfect base for soaking up all that delicious sauce and makes for a filling meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu is sure to impress at dinner time! Enjoy creating this flavorful dish that’s as fun to prepare as it is to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy delicious, flavorful meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the tofu to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftover tofu in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the sauce in a separate container to maintain its consistency.

Freezing

• For best results, freeze the baked tofu without sauce.
• Place cooled tofu cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen tofu to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Spread the frozen or refrigerated tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through and crispy again.
• Reheat sauce separately on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this dish:

Can I use a different sauce for my Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu?

Absolutely! While gochujang gives this dish its distinctive flavor, you can experiment with other sauces like sriracha or sweet chili sauce if you prefer a different taste.

How do I make my Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu even crispier?

To achieve extra crispiness, ensure that your tofu is well-drained and pressed before coating it. Also, using a higher ratio of cornstarch to breadcrumbs can help create that perfect crunchy texture!

What vegetables pair well with Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu?

You can serve this delightful tofu with a variety of veggies! Popular options include broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. They add color and nutrients while complementing the tofu’s flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free tamari and breadcrumbs. Always check labels when purchasing ingredients if you’re following a strict gluten-free diet.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Crispy Gochujang Korean Tofu as much as I do! It’s not just a delicious dish; it’s also versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a quick dinner solution, this recipe has got you covered. I’d love to hear how yours turns out—happy cooking!