Gochujang-Glazed Tofu is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the rich umami of Korean gochujang (fermented red chili paste) with the hearty, satisfying texture of tofu. This easy-to-make recipe transforms plain tofu into a mouthwatering treat, thanks to the glaze’s perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes. The tofu is first pan-fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sticky glaze made with gochujang, soy sauce, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Served over a bed of steamed rice or alongside fresh vegetables, this dish is perfect for those who love a bit of heat and bold flavors in their meals.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 ounces) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Gochujang Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu:
- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for at least 15 minutes. Once drained, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Coat the tofu:
- Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch to coat evenly, shaking off any excess.
- Fry the tofu:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Make the glaze:
- In the same skillet, add the gochujang, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir and cook over medium heat until the glaze is bubbly and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Glaze the tofu:
- Return the fried tofu to the skillet, tossing to coat the tofu pieces evenly with the glaze. Cook for another 2 minutes until the tofu is heated through and well-coated.
- Serve:
- Transfer the gochujang-glazed tofu to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Enjoy your Gochujang-Glazed Tofu as a spicy, savory, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for adding a touch of Korean flavor to your meal. Serve it with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
