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Home » Main Course » Tofu Dishes

August 22, 2022

Gochujang Tofu

Gochujang Tofu
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Lightly pan-fried tofu coated in a flavorful and spicy gochujang sauce. This Tasty vegan gochujang tofu dish can be made In under 20 minutes.

Most Korean households have a tub of gochujang in their fridge – it’s a critical ingredient in Korean dishes.

Rightfully so, it’s the perfect spicy, peppery addition to season any meat, veggie, or noodle dish.

Running out of healthy lunch or dinner ideas? Needing a new meal prep? Want to try something different?  

This recipe has got you covered!

If you enjoy this recipe, you’ll also probably like my Slow Cooker Korean Ribs, AIR FRYER FIRECRACKER TOFU STORY.

What is Gochujang?

The image shows a bowl full of rice, and vegetables and topped with crispy tofu that is coated in a gochujang sauce.

In brief, gochujang is a thick, savory, spicy, and fermented chili paste. Additionally, it contains red chili pepper flakes, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, garlic, onions, and salt.

Traditionally, it ferments for several years, during which the starches convert to sugar and give the paste a slight sweetness.

Learn more about the history of gochujang paste here.

Where can you get your hands on this tasty paste?

Markedly, most Asian food markets or supermarkets will have this paste readily at hand. In addition, you can check the international aisle at your local grocery store.

Is Gochujang Vegan?

This image shows the crispy tofu being sauteed in the gochujang sauce in a frying pan.

Yes!

I always recommend checking the ingredient list just in case, but most all gochujang mixes you find in stores are vegan.

What does Gochujang taste like?

Here are the words I’d use to describe Gochujang:

Smoky

Umami

Salty

Spicy

Hint of sweetness

How do you use Gochujang?

The image shows a bowl full of rice, and vegetables and topped with crispy tofu that is coated in a gochujang sauce.

To illustrate, think of gochujang like miso paste – a little goes a long way in adding depth and flavor to any dish.

For example, you can add it to marinade meat – think bulgogi (grilled meat).

Also, you can amp up the flavor of soups and stews – think budae jigae (Korean stew).

It can also be added to a variety of sauces and dips.

In summary, the possibilities are endless and this ingredient is a real superstar in a lot of Korean dishes.

What is Korean tofu made of?

Ingredients for the gochujang tofu: Tofu, starch, and sauce

Tofu is made from dried soybeans soaked in water, crushed, and boiled.

Difference between firm, extra firm, and silk tofu?

The water content in tofu is what determines if it’s soft or firm. Softer tofu is often used for soups and stews (or even desserts), while the firmer version is better for baking or stir fry.

Tom isn’t usually a tofu lover because of the tougher texture in most tofu takeout we have. BUT, since I made my dad’s tofu dish, he has come around to liking the softer version.

Typically, tofu comes in extra soft/silken, firm, or extra firm.

What tofu do I use for Gochujang Tofu?

Extra firm if you prefer crispier tofu!

Can I substitute Gochujang for tomato paste?

If I’m being honest, I do not recommend using tomato paste.

In a pinch, you could technically use it as a substitute for gochujang, since it’s got a similar acidic profile. However, it really won’t taste the same.

Tomato paste is made from concentrated tomatoes, while gochujang has fermented peppers with deep, spicy flavors.

If you’re desperate, I would add some chili flakes and paprika to the tomato paste, for the much-needed spice factor.

Ingredients for Gochujang tofu

Ingredients for the gochujang tofu: Tofu, starch, and sauce

This tofu marinade and sauce is made up extremely wholesome ingredients:

Tofu Marinade

Tofu, block

Soy sauce

Salt

Pepper

Sesame oil

Starch

Gochujang tofu sauce

Ingredients for Gochujang tofu laid out: Sauce, garlic ,ginger, unami, maple syrup, vinegar and arrow root starch

Vegan gochujang sauce

Garlic, minced

Ginger, minced

Umami sauce or soy sauce

Maple syrup or agave

Rice vinegar

Arrowroot starch or cornstarch, mixed with a tbsp of water

How to Make Gochujang tofu

Both images show tofu which is about to be cooked in a glass bowl.

Firstly, drain the tofu. You can use a tofu presser or place a heavy pan on top of the tofu for 20 – 30 minutes in order to drain excess moisture.

Then, cut the tofu into cubes.

Next, in a big bowl, combine the tofu marinade gently without breaking the tofu, until fully coated.

The image shows tofu being put in a frying pan, and being sauteed to crispy perfection

After, heat up a layer of oil in a non-stick wok or deeper pan to prevent any oil splashing.

Then, over medium to high heat, gently add the tofu to the oil and fry for 2 – 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown on all sides.

Subsequently, remove the tofu and place it onto a paper towel to soak up excess oils.

Following this, in the same pan, add garlic, and ginger and stir for 20 – 30 seconds or until fragrant. Note, that garlic burns very quickly!

Left image shows Crispy tofu is being dried out on a paper towel to absorb the grease, and right image shows This image shows the crispy tofu being sauteed in the gochujang sauce in a frying pan.

Next, add the vegan Gochujang sauce, umami or soy sauce, agave or maple syrup, and rice vinegar.

Then, stir in the starch mixture until well combined as well.

Finally, add in the tofu and turn the heat to low, mixing until all the tofu chunks are well coated.

Yum!

Tips for making Gochujang Tofu

Crispy tofu is being dried out on a paper towel to absorb the grease

For extra crispy tofu, you can double fry them.

  • Do I have to press the tofu?

No, you do not! However, the tofu ends up crispier if you do

To double fry: remove the fried tofu from the pan, let it cool for 5+ minutes then repeat the pan fry step. You may need to add more oil.

What if I can’t handle spicy?

In this case, you can use less gochujang sauce, or you can replace it with a little bit of ketchup and more salt to taste.

In addition, sometimes there are milder versions of gochujang paste in stores – see if you can find one near you!

How to serve Gochujang Tofu

The image shows two bowls full of rice, and vegetables and topped with crispy tofu that is coated in a gochujang sauce.

There’s plenty of ways you can serve Gochujang Tofu. Here are some of my favorites:

  • Gochujang tofu bowl – add the tofu to your favorite veggies and top with some sesame seeds
  • Rice – plain and simple
  • Lettuce wrap – make little taco shells with lettuce and top with some crunchy veggies
  • Noodles – mix in with your favorite stir fry noodles

How to Store Gochujang tofu

If you pressed and fried the outer layer until it was crispy, the tofu can stay in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

With this in mind, be aware that if you did not press or bake well, the tofu could release water and dilute your gochujang sauce.

In order to reheat this dish, you can heat it in the microwave for 30-second increments or toss it up in a pan.

Tastes just as good!

OTHER DELICIOUS tofu RECIPES:

1. Air Fryer FIre Cracker Tofu

2. Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

3. Chinese Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

What other tofu recipes would you like to see? Leave a comment below.

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS

This image shows a bowl full of crispy gochujang tofu with sesame seeds on top, and a pair of chopsticks reaching for a piece
This image shows a bowl full of crispy gochujang tofu with sesame seeds on top, and a pair of chopsticks reaching for a piece
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Gochujang Tofu

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Lightly pan-fried tofu coated in a flavorful and spicy gochujang sauce. This vegan gochujang tofu dish can be made in under 20 minutes.
Shuang Shuang Liang
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 40 mins

Ingredients
  

Tofu Marinade

  • 1 block of tofu
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • Salt pepper to taste ¼ tsp each
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp starch

Gochujang Tofu Sauce

  • 3- 4 tbsp vegan gochujang sauce
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 tbsp minced ginger
  • 2 tbsp umami sauce or soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup or agave
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water)

Instructions
 

  • Drain the tofu with a tofu presser or a heavy pan placed on top of the tofu for 20 – 30 minutes.
  • Cut the tofu into cubes.
  • In a big bowl, combine the tofu marinade gently without breaking the tofu
  • Heat up a layer of oil in a non-stick wok or deeper pan
  • Over medium to high heat, gently add the tofu to the oil andfry for 2 – 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown on all sides.
  • Remove the tofu and place it onto a paper towel to soak up excess oils.
  • In the same pan, add garlic, and ginger and stir for 20 – 30 seconds or until fragrant.
  • Add the vegan Gochujang sauce, umami or soy sauce, agave or maple syrup, and rice vinegar.
  • Stir in the starch mixture and continue to stir until well combined.
  • Add in the tofu and turn the heat to low mixing until all the tofu chunks are well coated.

The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe, which may vary.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This does not result in any extra cost for you, but it does mean that I make a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram
Season: Christmas, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter Dietary Preference: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30 Key Ingredients: Apples, Bananas, Berries, Chocolate, Oats, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato Recipe Style: Air Fryer, Instant Pot, Kid Friendly, No Bake

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Comments

  1. Rebecca says

    October 17, 2022 at 2:36 pm

    It was delicious but WHOOO it was spicy, haha. I’ll need to use a little less gochujang next time I make it.

    Reply
    • Constance says

      October 27, 2022 at 12:06 am

      Hi Rebecca,

      We are glad you enjoyed it- and yes, we recommend scaling back on the spice if you aren’t typically used to it!

      Happy Cooking!

      Constance

      Reply
  2. Jenny says

    September 10, 2022 at 4:41 am

    This looks delicious, can’t wait to try!

    Reply
    • Constance says

      September 11, 2022 at 2:05 pm

      Hi Jenny!

      Let us know how you love it! <3

      -Constance

      Reply

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