Crispy Pan-Fried Korean Tofu with Gochujang Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu pan-fried until golden and served with a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds for a flavorful Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs vegetable oil, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press a 14 oz block of firm tofu to remove excess water, then slice into eight 1/2-inch thick pieces.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu slices and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on edges. Transfer tofu to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the glaze into the hot pan and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until bubbling and slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu slices to the pan and spoon the glaze over them, cooking for another minute to coat and warm through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Pan-Fried Korean Tofu with Gochujang Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Fried Korean Tofu with 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Pan-Fried Korean Tofu with 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 Pan-Fried Korean Tofu with 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 Pan-Fried Korean Tofu with 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.

Related recipes