Korean Spicy Tofu Recipe
The ultimate comfort food, this Korean Spicy Tofu Recipe is crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s packed with protein and delivers a delicious kick. Try it tonight and satisfy your cravings!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Air Fryer
- Cutting Board
- Oven
Ingredients
- 14 oz tofu very firm
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or amino acids for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons gochujang paste Korean chili paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or amino acids for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup you can also use honey or agave
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- sesame seeds
- diced green onion
Instructions
- First, you’ll want to preheat your oven (or air fryer) to 400°F. This is crucial for getting that crispy texture we're after. If you're using an air fryer, make sure it’s ready before you start prepping.
- Next, drain the tofu. Press it gently with paper towels to remove any excess liquid, then cut it into bite-sized cubes. You want them to be uniform for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, add the cubed tofu, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Carefully toss everything until the tofu is well-coated. The cornstarch is what will help achieve that beautiful crispiness!
- Now, take a lined baking sheet and arrange the coated tofu in a single layer. It’s important that the pieces don’t touch, or they may stick together. Pop it into your preheated oven!
- Set a timer for 20 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and when they turn golden brown and crispy, they’re ready to come out. If using an air fryer, it’ll take about 10 minutes at 400°F.
- While the tofu is baking, let’s prepare the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, butter, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. This sauce is what makes this dish sing!
- After the tofu is done baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the crispy tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over it. Gently stir everything until the tofu is fully coated. This shouldn’t take more than about 5 minutes.
- Make sure the sauce is sticky and clinging to the tofu. You’ll know it’s perfect when it looks glossy and delicious!
- Finally, serve your spicy tofu over rice. Don’t forget to garnish with toasted sesame seeds and diced green onions. It adds that nice finishing touch!
Notes
- Tip 1: Make sure to press the tofu well to remove excess moisture. This helps in achieving the crispiness you want.
- Tip 2: Feel free to adjust the amount of gochujang to suit your heat tolerance. Start with less if you're unsure!
- Tip 3: Serve the dish hot for the best experience. Cold tofu lacks the appealing texture!
- Tip 4: This dish pairs wonderfully with plain steamed rice or a side of fresh kimchi for added crunch.