Gochujang-Glazed Tofu with Sesame Rice

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

Crispy pan-fried tofu in a sweet-spicy gochujang glaze, served over nutty sesame rice. This korean-inspired vegan (gluten free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs firm tofu, gochujang paste, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Korean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk 2 tbsp gochujang paste, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and sliced firm tofu, in a single layer. Cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Pour the gochujang glaze over tofu and cook for 2 more minutes, turning occasionally to coat evenly and thicken slightly.
  4. Step 4: Serve tofu over 2 cups cooked rice. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gochujang-Glazed Tofu with Sesame Rice take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 Gochujang-Glazed Tofu with Sesame Rice?

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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gochujang-Glazed Tofu with Sesame Rice?

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 Gochujang-Glazed Tofu with Sesame Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Gochujang-Glazed Tofu with Sesame Rice vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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