How to Make the Perfect Crispy Gochujang Tofu
Korean · Easy · 45 min · 4 servings
Golden crispy tofu cubes tossed in a spicy and sweet gochujang glaze. This bold Korean-inspired dish delivers serious heat with a satisfying crunch.
Why this recipe works
This Crispy Gochujang Tofu recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 g extra firm tofu pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 stalks green onions sliced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Press and prep the tofu
Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1 inch cubes and toss thoroughly with cornstarch until each piece is lightly coated.
Step 2: Bake the tofu
Preheat oven to 200C. Toss tofu cubes with neutral oil and spread in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes flipping halfway until deeply golden and crispy.
Step 3: Make the gochujang sauce
While tofu bakes whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl until smooth and combined.
Step 4: Glaze the tofu
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the baked tofu and pour the sauce over it. Toss quickly for 2 to 3 minutes until every piece is coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer glazed tofu to a serving plate and top with sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for best texture.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- gochujang paste → sriracha mixed with a small amount of miso paste
- maple syrup → honey or agave nectar
- rice vinegar → apple cider vinegar
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not pressing the tofu long enough which results in soggy rather than crispy pieces
- Overcrowding the baking sheet which steams the tofu instead of crisping it
- Adding the sauce too early before the tofu is fully crispy which causes it to become soft
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 14g protein, 22g carbs, 16g fat, 3g fiber.
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