Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Korean Gochujang Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-20 · Updated 2026-06-20

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Golden pan-fried tofu cubes tossed in a spicy, sweet, and tangy gochujang sauce for a vibrant Korean-inspired vegan dish. This Korean-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs extra-firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving

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Ingredients

14 oz block extra-firm tofu
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp sesame oil
2 minced garlic cloves
2 sliced green onions
1 tbsp sesame seeds

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Instructions

Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz extra-firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss cubes evenly with 1/4 cup cornstarch until fully coated.
Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Remove tofu and set aside.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves until smooth.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add the sauce to the skillet, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Return tofu cubes to the skillet, toss to coat evenly with the sauce, and cook for another minute.
Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.