Steamed Korean Gochujang Tofu with Hidden Vegetables
Silky tofu steamed with a spicy, savory gochujang sauce and finely minced hidden vegetables for a healthy, umami-packed Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs soft tofu block, small, finely minced zucchini, small, finely minced carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 2, 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 soft tofu block
- 1 small, finely minced zucchini
- 1 small, finely minced carrot
- 2, thinly sliced green onion
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Carefully drain and pat dry a 14 oz soft tofu block. Place tofu on a heatproof plate that fits inside a steamer basket.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 clove minced garlic, and 3 tbsp water. Stir until smooth.
- Step 3: Finely mince 1 small zucchini and 1 small carrot until the pieces are about the size of grains of rice. Mix the minced vegetables and 2 thinly sliced green onions into the gochujang sauce.
- Step 4: Spoon the sauce evenly over the tofu, spreading gently.
- Step 5: Set up a steamer with boiling water and steam the tofu for 8-10 minutes over medium-high heat until heated through and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving. Serve immediately with steamed rice or leafy greens.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Steamed Korean Gochujang Tofu with Hidden Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Steamed Korean Gochujang Tofu with Hidden Vegetables?
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 soft tofu block from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Korean Gochujang Tofu with Hidden Vegetables?
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 Steamed Korean Gochujang Tofu with Hidden Vegetables 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 Steamed Korean Gochujang Tofu with Hidden Vegetables vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
