Rebecca Thompson
Dedicated woman chef with a passion for creating unforgettable main dishes. Innovative and skilled in crafting diverse flavors that leave a lasting impression.
Crispy Baked Gochujang Tofu
Crispy Baked Gochujang Tofu is a savory and spicy recipe, favored for its harmony of flavors. Typical of the Korean cuisine, this recipe is handed down in households, causing gastronomic delight with its rich texture and spicy undertone.
This dish is a great appetizer or side dish, especially at gatherings with friends or family. One can delight in this guilt-free, as it's vegan and gluten-free. It's a wonderful combination of tofu and Gochujang, a Korean chili paste, laced with subtle notes of lime and maple syrup.
Making this dish can be a new experience for many, allowing a taste of Korean cuisine in the comfort of your home. Not only is tofu known for its high protein content, but it's also an amazing ingredient that absorbs flavours well, making it a star in this ensemble.
- Calories350
- Time50
- Portions4
- Score4.00
Ingredients
Main
- Super Firm Tofu 1 (14-16 oz) package
Others
- Olive Or Avocado Oil 4 tsp
- Gochujang 2-3 Tbsp
- Lime Juice 2 Tbsp
- Maple Syrup 1-2 Tbsp
- Water 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (korean Chili Flakes) 3-4 tsp
- Ground Cayenne 1/2-3/4 tsp
- Cornstarch 1 ½ tsp
Preparation
Prepare the Tofu
Preheat the oven to 425 F (218 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Crumble the tofu into pieces of around 1/2-inch in size and arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Add oil and toss to evenly coat the tofu.
Once the oven is preheated, bake for 20 minutes, flip the tofu with a spatula, and bake for another 5-15 minutes or until the tofu is a bit firm, and golden with crispy edges.
Prepare the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the gochujang, lime juice, maple syrup, and water. Whisk to combine.
Taste and adjust the sauce according to your preference. Add the gochugaru, cayenne, and cornstarch. Whisk until no lumps remain.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a light simmer. Once it's lightly bubbling, watch closely until the sauce begins to thicken. This should take around 5-8 minutes. Once it's thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
Combine and Serve
Once the tofu is baked, combine it with the sauce in the saucepan or a serving bowl.
Enjoy it warm or at room temperature. Pair with rice, kimchi, or cabbage apple slaw, or serve in lettuce cups topped with kimchi for a delightful meal.
Leftovers can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet or in the oven at 350 F (176 C) for 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy.
Suggestions
Ingredient choices
If you can't find super firm tofu, extra firm tofu will work in this recipe. If using extra firm tofu, wrap it in an absorbent towel and set something heavy on top to press out extra moisture for 10-15 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
Using gochujang and gochugaru (Korean chilli paste and powder) is essential to get the authentic Korean flavour. However, they can be replaced with any spicy chilli paste and powder if unavailable.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information is an approximate estimate calculated with olive oil and without optional ingredients.
This savory delicacy is both vegan and gluten-free and packed with protein which can be a part of a balanced diet.
Taste and Texture
The key to getting this recipe right is attaining the perfect balance of using lime for tanginess and maple syrup for sweetness to bring out the flavor of the spicy gochujang.
The tofu is best when it's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. To achieve this texture, make sure to bake until the edges of the tofu are golden and have a crunch.
Frequent Questions
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can. The recipe recommends olive or avocado oil, but you can substitute it with any cooking oil of your preference.
However, keep in mind that different oils might slightly alter the taste of the dish.
What can be served with Crispy Baked Gochujang Tofu?
This tofu dish is perfect for pairing with rice, kimchi, and/or cabbage apple slaw. It would also be delicious served in lettuce cups topped with kimchi for a delightful meal.
You can also serve it with side dishes like pickled vegetables or a refreshing salad.
What if I don't have an oven to bake the tofu?
You can pan-fry the tofu on medium heat until it turns golden and crispy. This might take longer than baking, but it will still yield that much-desired crispy texture.
What can be used to replace the tofu?
If you're not a fan of tofu or are allergic, you can substitute it with other ingredients like tempeh, seitan, or even roasted vegetables.
But keep in mind the flavor profile might alter with the change of protein.
What if I can't handle too much spice?
You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of gochujang, Gochugaru, and Cayenne according to your taste buds.