Gochujang Tofu
Sweet, spicy and crunchy, this Gochujang Tofu gives takeout vibes and is ready in just 30 minutes! A perfect flavourful weeknight meal that’s also high in protein.
Jump to RecipeWatch how to make Gochujang Tofu on my YouTube channel, plus another awesome recipe, Mango Tofu!
Ingredients & Inspiration
If you’ve never heard of gochujang before, it’s a Korean staple and is commonly used in marinades, sauces and stews. It’s a fermented brown rice and red chili pepper paste that is very savoury, sweet, spicy and umami. It’s truly so delicious and makes practically any dish taste better — regardless of whether it’s a Korean-inspired recipe or not!
This Gochujang Tofu pairs crunchy, crispy air fried tofu with a rich and spicy gochujang sauce for a totally knock-your-socks-off meal!
Here’s what you need to make this EPIC tofu recipe:
- extra firm tofu: offers the ‘meatiest’ texture and crisps up beautifully in the air fryer
- gochujang: for big umami spiciness
- maple syrup or agave: to balance out the saltiness
- soy sauce or tamari: for salty and umami flavour
- shaoxing cooking wine: for funky, fermented depth of flavour
- raw ginger: for spice and warm, subtle heat
- garlic: ’cause it’s life-giving
- green onions: fresh and flavourful
- cornstarch: this will help the tofu crisp up in the air fryer
- a touch of oil: for air frying
- sesame seeds: a roasty, crunchy garnish
How to Make Gochujang Tofu
This recipe for Gochujang Tofu is essentially a 2-step dance: air fry the tofu and heat through the sauce.
- Rip the tofu into chunks, add it to a large bowl and toss with the soy sauce and oil. Then add the cornstarch and toss once more to combine. Spread tofu into an even layer and air fry at 400°F for 22 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, agave, water, shaoxing wine, oil and cornstarch. Set aside.
- In a large skillet warm the oil over medium heat and sauté the ginger, garlic and the white parts of the green onions for 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
- Pour the gochujang sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once thickened to your liking, turn the heat to low and fold in the crispy tofu until coated. Let heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, sprinkle remaining green parts of the green onions, sesame seeds and optionally 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Serve over cooked rice and any steamed veggies you like. Enjoy!
Sweet Heat Can’t Be Beat
If you’re not afraid of a little spicy kick, then you’re for sure going to be obsessed with Gochujang Tofu! I mean, it’s got that restaurant quality crispy crunch factor, all wrapped up in a sweet spicy hug… nothing not to love, there!
If you enjoyed this recipe you might also like my Sesame Ginger Tofu, Hawaiian BBQ Tofu, or my Mango Tofu!
Lastly, if you made any of these recipes and decide to share them on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @SteamyVegan and use hashtag #SteamyVegan! I seriously love seeing what you’re cooking up! Plus make sure to check me out on YouTube — I have HUNDREDS of videos to give you limitless plant-based inspiration!
Gochujang Tofu
Ingredients
Method
- Add the tofu to a large bowl and toss with the soy sauce and oil. Then add the cornstarch and toss once more to combine. Spread tofu into an even layer and air fry at 400°F for 22 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, agave, water, vinegar, oil and cornstarch. Set aside.
- In a large skillet warm the oil over medium heat and sauté the ginger, garlic and the white parts of the green onions for 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
- Pour the gochujang sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once thickened to your liking, turn the heat to low and fold in the crispy tofu until coated. Let heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, sprinkle remaining green parts of the green onions, sesame seeds and optionally 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Serve over cooked rice and any steamed veggies you like. Enjoy!
