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Home » Recipes

Korean Tofu (Spicy, Vegan, & Oil-free)

Published: 12 Jul 2021 · Updated: 6 Oct 2021 by Julianne Lynch · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 6 Comments

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Korean tofu pin.
Korean tofu pin.

Korean Tofu is spicy and delicious, with the distinct flavor of Gochujang, a Korean chili paste. Serve over rice with a vegetable side or add to a Bibimbap bowl. This spicy tofu recipe is absolutely addicting!

Korean tofu in bowl with rice.
This delicious Korean Tofu gets its distinct flavor from the Gochujang paste.

If you like spicy Asian-inspired food and you've been itching to try a Vegan Korean Recipe, then I have a treat for you! This Korean Tofu is full of insanely delicious flavors and it's got just enough spice to satisfy. The sauce uses a combination of sweet, earthy, tangy, salty, and, of course, spicy components to reach a truly addictive tofu dish that I just can't get enough of.

I adapted this recipe from a similar dish called Spicy Korean Braised Tofu or Dobu Jorim. It's similar to Korean BBQ Tofu but not quite the same. To keep this oil-free I decided to use tahini (sesame-seed paste) instead of the more traditional sesame-seed oil.

I'm a big fan of adding spicy elements to a meal. But as with my vegan chipotle mayo and vegan buffalo sauce, this dish needs balance. Serving this tofu with rice and steamed veggies is an easy way to get that spicy kick without overdoing it.

Jump to:
  • What is Gochujang?
  • Can this be less spicy?
  • Can this be gluten-free?
  • Is this WFPB?
  • Can I make it in the Air Fryer?
  • Is this kid-friendly?
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • How to serve
  • Can I make it ahead?
  • How to store
  • More Asian-Inspired Vegan Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe

You'll love this Korean Tofu recipe because it's:

  • Spicy and Insanely Flavorful!
  • Quick & Easy
  • Vegan / Vegetarian
  • Easy to make Gluten-Free
  • Easy to make in an Air Fryer
  • Oil-Free
  • Super Satisfying
  • Delicious & Addicting

Bowl with closeup of spicy Korean tofu with rice.
You'll be blown away by this vegan Korean tofu!

What is Gochujang?

If you've ever had the pleasure of eating Korean food, then you've probably tasted Guchjang. It's a distinctive red chili paste that is common in many Korean dishes including Kimchi.

You can buy Gochujang at your local Asian market, and it's probably even available in the International section of most large grocery stores. You can also order Gochujang paste online.

Can this be less spicy?

The signature ingredient in this dish is gochujang paste, which is inherently spicy. When mixed with the other ingredients it mellows a bit but still has a solid kick (which is why I recommend serving this dish with rice).

If you prefer a medium spice level, try using 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and just 1 tablespoon of gochujang. If you really don't like spice, you could reduce it even further, but you will lose some of the key flavors. Or you could try a dish like this Marinated Tofu, which has a lower spice level..

Can this be gluten-free?

Traditionally, gochujang paste contains wheat. However, you can find gluten-free gochujang online. You can also make your own gluten-free gochujang. You would also need to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamarind sauce.

Is this WFPB?

Store-bought gochujang paste will almost certainly contain a small amount of refined sugar, which is not whole-foods plant-based. However, it's a very small amount and a small price to pay for such a flavorful dish (in my opinion). But if you want, you can make your own gochujang paste that's both gluten-free and refined-sugar-free.

Can I make it in the Air Fryer?

Yes! You'll save a little time if you make the tofu in Air Fryer. Just cook the tofu for about 10 minutes at 400F or 200C. Follow the sauce directions as directed below.

Is this kid-friendly?

This dish is spicy, and the spice comes from the main ingredient (gochujang), so you could reduce the spice somewhat. However, if your kids are adventurous eaters and can handle a little spice they might go for it.


Ingredients for Korean tofu.
Here's what you need to make this delicious Korean tofu!

Ingredients

  • super firm tofu: This is tofu that comes vacuum sealed and doesn't need much pressing. Or you can use extra firm or firm tofu that has been pressed for 15 to 30 minutes.
  • water
  • gochujang paste (Korean chili paste): This is the most important component to this dish! It's spicy and flavorful. If you aren't so keen on the spice you could try reducing the amount of gochujang and substituting with tomato paste, but you will lose some of the signature flavor.
  • soy sauce: You'll use this twice, both to season the tofu and add to the sauce.
  • agave or maple syrup: For sweetness.
  • rice vinegar: White wine vinegar could be used instead.
  • tahini: This will help balance out the spiciness. You could use a nut butter or sesame oil instead.
  • minced garlic: Granulated garlic could be substituted.
  • minced ginger: Powdered ginger could be substituted.

Optional Garnishes

  • sesame seeds
  • diced green onion

Instructions

  1. (If your tofu needs to be pressed, do that first).
  2. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400F or 200C.
  3. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
  4. Add the tofu cubes along with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch or arrowroot powder to a bowl and gently mix to combine.
  • Hands cubing tofu on cutting board.
  • Cubed tofu in bowl with soy sauce.
  1. Place the tofu on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. (Or add the the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes.)
  2. After 20 minutes, turn the heat up to 425F or 220C and bake for another 5 minutes (this just helps to get the tofu a little crispier on the outside.) You can ignore this step if you're using an air fryer.
  • Cubed tofu on baking sheet (uncooked).
  • Cubed tofu on baking sheet (cooked).
  1. While the tofu is baking, add all of the sauce ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Ingredients for Korean tofu sauce in bowl.
  • Mixed Korean tofu sauce.
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sauce and the tofu. Gently mix to combine and cook until the sauce is reduced and sticky.
  2. Serve with rice and enjoy!
  • Tofu cubes in skillet with sauce (not mixed).
  • Tofu mixed with Korean sauce in skillet.

How to serve

Serve this over rice with a side of veggies or as part of a vegan bibimbap bowl. You could also add this to a Korean-style taco or even serve it with little toothpicks as a spicy party appetizer.

Hand with chopsticks picking up spicy Korean tofu.
Serve Korean Tofu with rice and green onions.

Can I make it ahead?

I find that this spicy Korean tofu tastes best when it's freshly made. That said, you could make the sauce ahead to save a little time when making. Or you could make it ahead and then reheat just before serving.

How to store

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

More Asian-Inspired Vegan Recipes

  • Orange Tofu (Vegan + Oil-Free)
  • Thai Salad with Sesame-Crusted Tofu (Oil-Free)
  • Vegan Thai Curry (No Oil, 20 Minutes, 6 Ingredients)
  • Vegan Bibimbap with Tofu (Korean Rice Bowl)

If you loved this recipe please give it a Star Rating below and share on Facebook or Pinterest! Thanks!!

📖 Recipe

Vegan Korean tofu in bowl with rice and chopsticks.

Spicy Korean Tofu

Korean Tofu is spicy and delicious, with the distinct flavor of Gochujang, a Korean chili paste. Serve over rice with a vegetable side or add to a Bibimbap bowl. This spicy tofu recipe is absolutely addicting!
4.69 from 19 votes
Print Recipe Share on Facebook Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Korean
Servings 4
Calories 138 kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl
skillet
baking sheet

Ingredients
 
 

  • 14 oz super firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder

Korean Gochujang Sauce

  • 3 tablespoon water
  • 2 tablespoon gochujang paste (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoon agave or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon tahini
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger

Optional Garnish

  • sesame seeds
  • diced green onion

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven or air fryer to 400F or 200C.
  • Drain the tofu and cut it into bite-sized cubes.
  • Add the tofu to a bowl along with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Gently mix to combine.
  • Place the tofu on a lined baking sheet. Cook for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes turn up the heat to 425F or 220C and bake for another 5 minutes. (If you're making this in the air fryer, simply cook for 10 minutes at 400F or 200C).
  • While the tofu is baking, add the sauce ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Heat a skillet over medium. Add the sauce and the tofu. Gently combine until the tofu is fully coated. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce is reduced and sticky.
  • Serve over rice with diced green onions and sesame seeds as a garnish.
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Notes

  • I use super firm tofu, which comes vacuum sealed and doesn't need to be pressed. If you can only find firm or extra-firm tofu, you will want to press the tofu for 15 to 30 minutes before cubing it.

Nutrition

Calories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 10gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 821mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 19IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg
Keyword gochujang tofu, korean tofu
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Julianne, founder of No Sweat Vegan.

Hi, I'm Julianne! I love creating simple and comforting vegan food for the whole family. Most of my recipes are healthy, Whole-Foods Plant-Based, and easy on the budget. Thanks for stopping by!

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