True-to-Form Kimchi Stuffed Tofu with Gochujang Glaze
Crispy tofu pockets filled with spicy kimchi and a sweet-savory gochujang glaze, embodying authentic Korean street food flavors. This korean-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs (chopped, with juice) kimchi, gochujang, 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 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
- 1 block (14 oz, pressed and sliced into 1/2-inch thick slabs) firm tofu
- 1/2 cup (chopped, with juice) kimchi
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix kimchi, 1 tbsp kimchi juice, and 1/4 cup water until combined; set aside.
- Step 2: Whisk gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl to make glaze.
- Step 3: Pat tofu slabs dry. Make a small pocket in each by cutting a 1-inch deep slit lengthwise.
- Step 4: Fill each tofu pocket with 1 tbsp kimchi mixture. Dredge tofu in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
- Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tofu for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Step 6: Pour glaze into skillet, swirling to coat tofu. Cook for 1 minute until glaze thickens and bubbles. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does True-to-Form Kimchi Stuffed Tofu with Gochujang Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 True-to-Form Kimchi Stuffed 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 (chopped, with juice) kimchi from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in True-to-Form Kimchi Stuffed 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 True-to-Form Kimchi Stuffed Tofu with Gochujang Glaze 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 True-to-Form Kimchi Stuffed Tofu with Gochujang Glaze gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
