Korean Barbecue Tofu
Elevate your plant-based meal game with this irresistible Korean Barbecue Tofu recipe! Tender cubes of extra-firm tofu are coated in cornstarch and pan-fried to golden, crispy perfection before being tossed in a bold, umami-packed barbecue sauce featuring gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The subtly sweet and spicy glaze clings to the tofu, creating layers of rich Korean-inspired flavor in every bite. Finished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions, this dish is as vibrant as it is satisfying. Perfectly paired with steamed rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables, this quick and easy recipe is ready in just 40 minutes, making it a dynamic weeknight dinner or a standout addition to your meatless menu. Keywords: Korean Barbecue Tofu, gochujang tofu, plant-based Korean recipe, crispy tofu, easy dinner ideas.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp neutral cooking oil (e.g., vegetable or canola)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, finely grated
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 scallions, chopped
Instructions
Drain the tofu and press it for 15 minutes to remove excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object, like a skillet, on top.
After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.
Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the tofu cubes and toss gently to coat. This helps create a crispy texture when cooked.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the cooking oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the barbecue sauce.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Pour in the barbecue sauce and simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
Add the cooked tofu cubes back into the skillet and gently toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the tofu and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to fully heat the tofu through.
Remove from heat and transfer the Korean Barbecue Tofu to a serving dish.
Garnish with chopped scallions and serve warm with steamed white rice or your choice of side dishes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
357 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.7 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7 g | 13% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 640 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.5 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 17.2 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 375 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 271 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
