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.

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.

Step 3

Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the tofu cubes and toss gently to coat. This helps create a crispy texture when cooked.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Add the cooked tofu cubes back into the skillet and gently toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.

Step 8

Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the tofu and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to fully heat the tofu through.

Step 9

Remove from heat and transfer the Korean Barbecue Tofu to a serving dish.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped scallions and serve warm with steamed white rice or your choice of side dishes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(239.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	814.3

Total Fat 62.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2494.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 63.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.3g	0%
Total Sugars 24.6g
Protein 8.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 101.0mg	0%
Iron 2.4mg	0%
Potassium 421.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.1%

Protein: 4.1%

Carbs: 29.8%