Crispy Baked Korean-Style Tofu with Spicy Gochujang Glaze
Baked tofu cubes coated in a crispy crust and glazed with a spicy gochujang sauce, perfect for a plant-based protein boost. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan, high protein) ready in about 45 minutes pairs cornstarch, sesame oil, gochujang (Korean chili paste) 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, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove, minced garlic clove
- 2 stalks, sliced for garnish green onions
- 1 tsp for garnish sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Place the tofu cubes on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Step 3: Bake tofu for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth.
- Step 5: Remove tofu from oven and gently toss with the gochujang glaze until all pieces are coated.
- Step 6: Return glazed tofu to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the sauce.
- Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Baked Korean-Style Tofu with Spicy Gochujang Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Crispy Baked Korean-Style Tofu with Spicy 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 cornstarch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Baked Korean-Style Tofu with Spicy 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 Crispy Baked Korean-Style Tofu with Spicy 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 Crispy Baked Korean-Style Tofu with Spicy Gochujang Glaze vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.