Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spicy Gochujang Sesame Tofu is packed with flavor, yet it’s so simple to make. The tofu is pan-fried to a golden crisp, then coated in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce with a hint of sesame, making every bite perfectly balanced. Whether you’re serving it over rice or enjoying it as a snack, this dish is versatile, vegan, and utterly delicious. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to option for busy days when you need something flavorful and filling!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 14 oz extra firm tofu
Garnish:
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch (or substitute with potato starch)
- 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar (or substitute with cane sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey)
- ½ teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
- ½ cup cold water
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare Tofu: Remove excess water from the tofu by pressing it or using a tofu press. Once drained, pat dry with a paper towel. Slice the tofu into rectangular pieces.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the gochujang, sesame seeds, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, gochugaru, and cold water. Mix well until everything is dissolved and well incorporated.
- Fry Tofu: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tofu slices and fry for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Add Sauce: Once the tofu is crispy, pour the prepared sauce over the tofu. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes, tossing the tofu gently to coat it in the sauce. The sauce should thicken slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the tofu with finely chopped green onions and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Tofu Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different texture.
- Add Veggies: For added nutrition, toss in some stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach to the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of gochugaru or add extra chili flakes for a spicier version of this dish.
- Sweet Option: If you like a sweeter flavor, increase the amount of maple syrup or brown sugar in the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tofu and sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the tofu and sauce and combine them.
Can I use soft tofu for this recipe?
It’s best to use extra firm tofu for this recipe to ensure it crisps up properly. Soft tofu may break apart during frying and not hold up well in the sauce.
What can I serve with Spicy Gochujang Sesame Tofu?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed greens or a simple salad.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of spiciness is moderate, but you can adjust the heat by adding more gochugaru or gochujang for a spicier version, or reduce it for a milder taste.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best to eat this dish fresh, but you can freeze the fried tofu separately. When reheating, add the sauce and toss gently.
What is gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste made with chili powder, rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It’s both spicy and slightly sweet, and it adds an incredible depth of flavor to many Korean dishes.
Can I add other flavors to the sauce?
Yes, you can add garlic, ginger, or a splash of lime juice to the sauce to create a more complex flavor profile.
Can I make this dish oil-free?
For a healthier version, you can bake the tofu instead of frying it. Simply bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes until crispy.
Can I use a different oil for frying?
Yes, you can use any high-heat oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
Conclusion
Spicy Gochujang Sesame Tofu is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight meals or as a flavorful side dish. The crispy tofu combined with the spicy, savory, and sweet gochujang sauce creates a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting to eat. With just 25 minutes of cooking time, it’s a meal that’s both simple and delicious—perfect for anyone craving something bold and full of flavor!
Quick & Easy Spicy Gochujang Sesame Tofu Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Spicy Gochujang Sesame Tofu is a quick and flavorful dish that combines crispy tofu with a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, topped with sesame seeds and green onions. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying vegan meal.
Ingredients
14 oz extra firm tofu
1 green onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ tablespoon cornstarch (or potato starch)
1 teaspoon white granulated sugar (or maple syrup, brown sugar, cane sugar, or honey)
½ teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
½ cup cold water
Instructions
- Remove excess water from the tofu by pressing it or using a tofu press. Slice the tofu into rectangular pieces.
- In a small bowl, combine gochujang, sesame seeds, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, gochugaru, and cold water. Mix well until the sauce is smooth.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add tofu slices and fry for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the crispy tofu. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes, tossing the tofu gently to coat in the sauce. The sauce should thicken slightly.
- Garnish with finely chopped green onions and serve hot. Pair with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
For a spicier version, add more gochujang or gochugaru to the sauce.
Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Reheat leftover tofu in a pan with a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
