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Homemade Korean Tofu Recipe photo

Korean Tofu Recipe

This Korean Tofu Recipe is bursting with flavor! Crispy tofu coated in a spicy-sweet sauce, it's a must-try dish for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean chili paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon water
For the Tofu:
  • 1 block extra-firm tofu 16 ounces
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for coating
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Garnish:
  • sliced green onions
  • toasted sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Frying Pan or Skillet
  • Spatula

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Start by pressing the extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and water. Whisk until well blended and set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior.
  4. In a frying pan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the tofu.
  5. Carefully add the coated tofu cubes to the hot oil in a single layer. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Once the tofu is fried, reduce the heat to low and pour the prepared sauce over the tofu. Gently toss to coat the tofu evenly and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Transfer the saucy tofu to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Press the tofu well to achieve the best texture.
  • Adjust gochujang for your desired spice level.
  • Add vegetables for extra nutrition and color.