Honey Gochujang Tofu (Printable)

Crispy tofu cubes coated in a sweet and spicy honey-gochujang glaze with sesame and green onions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into 3/4 inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 1/2 tsp salt
04 - 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or sunflower)

→ Sauce

05 - 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
06 - 2 tbsp honey
07 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
08 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
09 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
12 - 2 tbsp water

→ Garnish

13 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
14 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

# Directions:

01 - Press tofu for at least 10 minutes to extract excess moisture, then cut into 3/4 inch cubes.
02 - Toss tofu cubes with cornstarch and salt until coated evenly.
03 - Heat neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu cubes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water.
05 - Pour sauce mixture into the skillet and simmer over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
06 - Return crispy tofu to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook an additional 2 minutes until the glaze becomes sticky and glossy.
07 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot as an appetizer or over steamed rice.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Crispy outside, tender inside—the texture contrast is absolutely addictive.
  • Sweet, spicy, and sticky all at once, it hits every taste bud without apology.
  • Ready in 35 minutes but tastes like you've been cooking all evening.
02 -
  • Pressing your tofu is non-negotiable if you want crispy cubes; skip it and you'll end up with steamed tofu instead of the crispy-edged treasure you're aiming for.
  • Add the sauce while the pan is still hot but the tofu is already out; cold pan plus cold sauce equals a broken, separated mess.
03 -
  • Don't stir the tofu constantly as it crisps; patience and stillness create that golden crust that makes this dish shine.
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 30 seconds before sprinkling them on; it brings out an incredible nutty flavor that feels like the final touch of care.
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