Easy Gochujang Tofu (Oven or Air Fryer)

Easy Gochujang Tofu with rice, cucumber, and cabbage.

Be first to rate this!

Easy Gochujang Tofu (Oven or Air Fryer)

This easy Gochujang Tofu is big on flavor and simple to make. High protein, not too spicy, and made with pantry ingredients. You can bake it in the oven or air fryer. Perfect for rice bowls, noodles, salads or as a protein-packed snack. (Vegan option).

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time35

Servings:

Author: Bri Beaudoin

Ingredients

1 lb extra-firm tofu
2 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce)
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil (or other neutral oil)
2 tablespoons gochujang (paste not sauce, see note 1)
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 clove finely grated garlic

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat: Preheat oven to 425℉ (218℃), with rack in the center position.
Bake Tofu: Tear 1 lb extra-firm tofu into rough 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks. Scatter on a large parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle 1 tablespoons tamari over tofu, use your fingers to toss to coat. Sprinkle with 4 teaspoons cornstarch, toss to coat evenly. Then, drizzle with 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil and toss. Bake until golden and crisp at the edges, about 25 minutes.
Gochujang Sauce: Meanwhile, whisk together 2 tablespoons gochujang, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoons tamari, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, and 1 clove finely grated garlic.
Finish Tofu: Drizzle three-quarters (~75%) of the Gochujang sauce over the baked tofu. (Reserve the rest for serving). Toss and return to the oven until the sauce is starting to bubble, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven, transfer to a bowl, and drizzle with the remaining sauce (see note 3).

Notes

Gochujang: A thick, savory, sweet, and spicy fermented Korean chili paste. Often sold in a red plastic tub with a flip top lid. Use gochujang paste, not gochujang sauce. Gochujang sauce is a more watered down condiment, with added seasonings—which varies by brand.
Air Fryer Method: Make 3 minor changes to the oven method above:
1. Step 2 - Use a bowl (instead of baking sheet) to toss tofu with tamari, cornstarch, and oil.
2. Step 3 - Mix Gochujang sauce in a bowl big enough for the air fried tofu.
3. Step 3 - Air fry at 400℉ (204℃) for 15 to 20 minutes. Add tofu to bowl of sauce, toss, then use slotted spoon to transfer coated tofu back to air fryer. Air fry for another 2 to 4 minutes until sauce is bubbling. Serve and drizzle with residual sauce in bowl.
Garnish Ideas (optional): You can garnish this Gochujang tofu with toasted sesame seeds or sliced scallions. Delicious served with rice, noodles, or eaten as is.

Nutrition