Spicy Korean Crispy Tofu (Print)

Crispy cubes of tofu fried and mixed with a sweet-spicy Gochujang glaze, highlighted with ginger and garlic. A plant-based option that's great as a bite or full meal!

# Ingredients:

→ Tofu Prep

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 1 firm tofu block

→ Sauce Mix

04 - 1 tsp minced ginger
05 - 1 clove garlic, chopped finely
06 - 1 tbsp Korean chili paste (Gochujang)
07 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
08 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
09 - 1 tsp rice vinegar
10 - 1 tsp maple syrup or honey

→ Toppings

11 - Sliced green onions
12 - Sesame seeds

# Steps:

01 - Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cover a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Squeeze the tofu gently to drain water, then chop it into small cubes.
03 - In a bowl, toss tofu pieces with cornstarch until they're evenly dusted.
04 - Warm olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the tofu for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
05 - In a fresh bowl, mix together garlic, ginger, Korean chili paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and maple syrup.
06 - Place the crispy tofu in a bowl and pour the sauce on top. Stir gently to coat all pieces.
07 - Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds over the tofu before serving it warm. Enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Leftovers can go in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet to keep them crisp or microwave for a softer texture.
02 - Get extra crispy tofu by removing as much water as possible before coating it with cornstarch.
03 - Feel free to swap out Gochujang for another hot paste or chili flakes, but the taste will vary.
04 - Pair this with steamed vegetables or rice for a full meal.