Gochujang Baked Tofu

Name: Gochujang Baked Tofu
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 3 tbsp gochujang; 2 tbsp pure maple syrup; 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 scallions, chopped (for garnish); Rice (optional, for serving)

Posted on July 28, 2025

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Gochujang Baked Tofu is a delightful dish that dances on your palate with its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, caramelized tofu coated in a sweet and spicy glaze that leaves your taste buds tingling with joy. spicy pasta primavera The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table in eager anticipation.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of late-night cooking sessions with friends, where laughter filled the air while we experimented with flavors. It’s perfect for casual dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try Gochujang Baked Tofu, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! For more inspiration, check out this Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The Gochujang Baked Tofu is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and just a few ingredients
Its sweet and spicy flavor profile will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more
The vibrant color of this dish makes it visually appealing, turning any dinner plate into a masterpiece
Perfectly versatile, this tofu can be served over rice, tossed into salads, or enjoyed on its own as a snack

I remember the first time I served this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about the flavors and begged for the recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Firm Tofu: Choose firm tofu for the best texture; it holds up well during baking.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a unique sweet heat that elevates the dish.
Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup to balance the spice with natural sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while enhancing flavor.
Sesame Oil: Adds depth and a nutty aroma that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they bring a pungent kick that works wonders in marinades.
Scallions: These bright green onions add freshness when garnished on top before serving.
Rice (optional): Serve with fluffy rice to soak up all that incredible sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Tofu: Start by pressing the firm tofu between paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures your tofu gets crispy instead of soggy when baked. Cut it into bite-sized cubes for optimal flavor absorption.

Mix Up the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine gochujang, maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth and well-blended; you’ll want every bit of this luscious mixture on your tofu.

Toss and Coat: Add your cubed tofu into the marinade and gently toss until each piece is generously coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—this step is crucial for infusing maximum flavor.

Bake Away!: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread your marinated tofu evenly on a lined baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching each other—this helps them get crispy.

Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and caramelized. Flip halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness—this is where magic happens!

Serve and Enjoy!: Once baked to perfection, remove from oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with chopped scallions. black bean and corn salad Serve alongside rice or toss in salads; enjoy every last savory bite!

By following these steps closely, you’ll end up with Gochujang Baked Tofu that’s bursting with flavor and has an irresistible texture that’s sure to impress anyone at your table!

You Must Know

Gochujang Baked Tofu is not just delicious; it’s a flavor-packed powerhouse!
The spicy-sweet sauce caramelizes beautifully, ensuring crispy edges and a tender center
Plus, it’s super easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, then marinate it in gochujang sauce while preheating your oven. Bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the baking sheet for a complete meal. hearty vegetable stew You can also swap gochujang with sriracha if you prefer a different heat level.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover gochujang baked tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain that delightful crispiness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For maximum flavor, allow the tofu to marinate overnight
Ensure you press the tofu well to avoid excess moisture
Pair with rice or quinoa for a satisfying meal full of texture and taste

Sometimes I think my friends come over just for my gochujang baked tofu. They rave about it like I’m some culinary wizard, when really, it’s just easy and fun to make. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Irish Soda Bread recipe.

FAQ

Can I use firm tofu instead of extra firm?

Yes, but extra firm holds its shape better during cooking.

How do I make this dish vegan-friendly?

delicious vegan stir fry.

This recipe is already vegan since it uses tofu and no animal products.

What can I serve with gochujang baked tofu?

Pair it with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.