Gochujang Baked Tofu Recipe
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.
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.