Crisp Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Korean Gochujang Glaze
Golden pan-fried tofu cubes coated in a spicy, sweet, and savory gochujang glaze, delivering a delicious Korean-inspired vegan dish. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 37 minutes pairs (1 block) extra-firm tofu, cornstarch, canola oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 14 oz (1 block) extra-firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp canola oil
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2, thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz extra-firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side until all sides are golden and crisp.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the gochujang glaze over the crispy tofu in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, gently tossing to coat the tofu evenly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tsp sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions on top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisp Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Korean Gochujang Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crisp Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Korean Gochujang Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (1 block) extra-firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Korean Gochujang Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crisp Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Korean Gochujang Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Crisp Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Korean Gochujang Glaze vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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