This Gochujang Baked Tofu Recipe is simple, tasty and full of bold flavor. The tofu becomes crispy outside and soft inside. The sauce is sweet, spicy and savory. You can enjoy this Gochujang Baked Tofu Recipe for dinner, lunch or meal prep.
It is healthy, plant-based and easy to cook. This dish is great for beginners. Try this Gochujang Baked Tofu Recipe at home and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret is the marinade. Gochujang gives heat and sweetness. Soy sauce adds salt and depth. Garlic and ginger bring warm aroma. Baking makes the tofu crispy without deep frying. The sauce sticks to every piece.
The flavor becomes rich and balanced. The tofu absorbs the sauce slowly. Each bite feels bold and satisfying. Simple cooking methods make this dish easy, healthy and full of true comfort.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Gochujang Baked Tofu
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Korean Inspired
- Calories: 260 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Small whisk
- Spatula
- Tongs
Ingredients You Need for Gochujang Baked Tofu
- 400g firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1½ tablespoons gochujang paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced spring onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Press the Tofu
Place tofu between paper towels. Add light weight on top and remove extra water for better texture before baking.
2. Cut the Tofu
Cut the tofu into even cubes. Keep the pieces similar in size so they bake evenly and turn crispy.
3. Prepare the Marinade
Add gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk gently until the sauce becomes smooth.
4. Coat the Tofu
Add tofu cubes to the bowl. Mix slowly so every cube gets covered with sauce without breaking or crumbling during mixing.
5. Add Cornstarch
Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu. Mix again. The coating becomes light and sticky, which helps the tofu crisp while baking.
6. Arrange on Tray
Place parchment paper on the baking tray. Spread tofu cubes in one even layer without stacking pieces together.
7. Bake the Tofu
Bake in a hot oven at 200°C. Turn pieces halfway through baking. Cook until golden, crispy, and slightly firm outside.
8. Optional Extra Sauce
Add a small spoon of gochujang and honey in a bowl. Toss baked tofu gently for deeper flavor and shine.
9. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds and spring onions. Let tofu rest briefly, then serve hot and enjoy the bold spicy taste.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Press tofu well for the best crispy texture.
- Use extra firm tofu for stronger shape and better baking results.
- Add chili flakes for extra heat and stronger spicy flavor.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a full vegan version.
- Do not overcrowd the tray or the tofu will steam instead of crisp.
- Add bell peppers or broccoli for a complete meal.
- Air fry the tofu for an even crispier texture.
- Marinate longer for deeper and richer flavor.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- Serve with rice, noodles, or salad for balance.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | Moderate |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tofu with steamed rice or brown rice. It also tastes great with noodles or quinoa bowls. You can add stir-fried vegetables for color and crunch. This dish works well in wraps, lettuce cups, and meal prep bowls. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds for texture. A light cucumber salad pairs nicely with the spicy flavor. It is perfect for lunch, dinner, or healthy vegetarian meals.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge for up to three days. Do not leave tofu uncovered for long. Reheat in an oven or pan on low heat. This keeps the tofu crisp and tasty. You may also reheat in a microwave, but the texture may become softer. Add a small splash of sauce if the tofu feels dry during reheating.
Gochujang Baked Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
- 400 g firm tofu pressed and cubed
- 1½ tablespoons gochujang paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced spring onions for garnish
Instructions
Press the Tofu
- Place tofu between paper towels. Add light weight on top and remove extra water for better texture before baking.
Cut the Tofu
- Cut the tofu into even cubes. Keep the pieces similar in size so they bake evenly and turn crispy.
Prepare the Marinade
- Add gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk gently until the sauce becomes smooth.
Coat the Tofu
- Add tofu cubes to the bowl. Mix slowly so every cube gets covered with sauce without breaking or crumbling during mixing.
Add Cornstarch
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu. Mix again. The coating becomes light and sticky, which helps the tofu crisp while baking.
Arrange on Tray
- Place parchment paper on the baking tray. Spread tofu cubes in one even layer without stacking pieces together.
Bake the Tofu
- Bake in a hot oven at 200°C. Turn pieces halfway through baking. Cook until golden, crispy, and slightly firm outside.
Optional Extra Sauce
- Add a small spoon of gochujang and honey in a bowl. Toss baked tofu gently for deeper flavor and shine.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and spring onions. Let tofu rest briefly, then serve hot and enjoy the bold spicy taste.
Notes
- Press tofu well for the best crispy texture.
- Use extra firm tofu for stronger shape and better baking results.
- Add chili flakes for extra heat and stronger spicy flavor.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a full vegan version.
- Do not overcrowd the tray or the tofu will steam instead of crisp.
- Add bell peppers or broccoli for a complete meal.
- Air fry the tofu for an even crispier texture.
- Marinate longer for deeper and richer flavor.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- Serve with rice, noodles, or salad for balance.
FAQs about Gochujang Baked Tofu
1. How to make Gochujang Baked Tofu if I am a beginner cook?
This recipe is great for beginners because the steps are simple and easy to follow. Prepare ingredients first, mix the marinade slowly, and bake the tofu patiently for the best texture and flavor.
2. What are the main Ingredients for Gochujang Baked Tofu?
The main ingredients for Gochujang Baked Tofu are tofu, gochujang, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. These Ingredients for Gochujang Baked Tofu work together to create a bold, sweet, spicy, and delicious taste.
3. Can I make this Gochujang Baked Tofu Recipe without an oven?
Yes, you can cook it in a pan or air fryer. The flavor stays almost the same, but bake or fry slowly and turn pieces often to keep the tofu crispy.
4. Is this Gochujang Baked Tofu Recipe good for meal prep or weekly lunches?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep because it stores well and keeps its flavor. Place portions in sealed containers, keep them in the fridge, and reheat gently before serving.
5. How to make Gochujang Baked Tofu less spicy for kids or mild eaters?
Use less gochujang and add a little more honey or water. The flavor stays sweet and savory while the heat becomes soft and comfortable.
Conclusion
This Gochujang Baked Tofu Recipe is simple, healthy and full of bold flavor. The sauce is spicy, sweet, and savory. The tofu becomes crispy outside and soft inside. Now you know how to make Gochujang Baked Tofu at home with confidence. The steps are easy and beginner-friendly.
The ingredients are simple and available. Try this recipe today, share it with family and enjoy a warm, tasty, and comforting plant-based meal. This dish will quickly become one of your favorite tofu recipes.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.