Smokey Korean BBQ Tofu

Discover the Bold Flavors of Smokey Korean BBQ Tofu

This dish is bursting with bold flavors and plant-based goodness! Our Smokey Korean BBQ Tofu combines the fiery zest of Korean cuisine with the hearty, satisfying texture of tofu. Perfect for anyone craving a delicious, vegan-friendly twist on traditional BBQ.

Inspiration

This recipe is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Korea, tailored for the vegan palate without sacrificing depth or excitement. The use of gochujang (Korean chili paste) and a smoky blend of spices brings this dish to life, offering a plant-based feast that’s both nourishing and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love It

• Intensely Flavorful: Enjoy the deep, smoky flavors typical of Korean BBQ, balanced with just the right amount of heat.
• Nutritionally Rich: High in protein and low in carbs, our tofu is marinated and cooked to perfection, providing a guilt-free way to satisfy your BBQ cravings.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat.
• Visually Stunning: With its vibrant garnish and rich sauce, this tofu dish is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Quick Grocery List

For the Tofu:

• Extra-firm tofu
• Cornstarch
• Neutral oil

For the Smokey Korean BBQ Sauce:

• Gochujang
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Maple syrup or brown sugar
• Smoked paprika

Optional Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions

H3: Things to Consider Before Preparing Your Meal

• Prep & Cook Time: Only 40 minutes from start to finish.
• Equipment Checklist: Non-stick skillet, mixing bowls, tofu press.
• Dietary Adjustments: Fully vegan and can be made gluten-free with tamari.
• Serving Size: Perfectly serves 4, making it ideal for family meals or meal prep.
• General Notes: Pressing the tofu well will help achieve the best texture when cooking.

Smokey Korean BBQ Tofu – Easy Vegan Dinner with Gochujang Sauce, Plant-Based Protein, and Bold Asian Flavors

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

Prep time20 minutes

Cook time20 minutes

Total time40 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Tofu:

• 14 oz (400g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 tbsp cornstarch, (for crispiness)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil, (like avocado or canola)
• Pinch of salt

For the Smokey Korean BBQ Sauce:

• 1 tbsp gochujang, (Korean red chili paste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari, (for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• 2 tbsp water, (to loosen the sauce)

Optional Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried veggies, (to serve)

Instructions:

• 1

  1. Prep the Tofu

  1. Press tofu for at least 10–15 minutes to remove excess water.
  2. Cut into 1-inch cubes and gently toss with cornstarch and a pinch of salt for even coating.
• 2

  2. Cook the Tofu

  1. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  3. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• 3

  3. Make the Korean BBQ Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients: gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sweetener, paprika, garlic, ginger, and water.

• 4

  4. Combine Tofu and Sauce

  1. In the same skillet over medium heat, pour in the BBQ sauce and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes.
  2. Return crispy tofu to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
  3. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the tofu.
• 5

  5. Serve

  1. Plate the tofu with rice or veggies.
  2. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor and crunch.

Equipment

• Non-stick skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Tofu press or paper towels + heavy object
• Whisk
• Tongs or spatula
• Cutting board and knife

Recipe Notes and Variations:

General Notes:

• Gochujang brings heat and depth—adjust to taste if you’re spice-sensitive.
• Smokey flavor comes from paprika + searing tofu well.

Substitutions:

• Tofu: Swap with tempeh or seitan for variety.
• Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free options.
• Maple Syrup: Substitute with agave nectar or honey (not vegan).

Pro Tips:

• Tip 1: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps the tofu crisp up.
• Tip 2: Add a splash of water to reheat the sauce if it thickens too much.
• Tip 3: Taste the sauce before tossing tofu in—it should balance sweet, spicy, and smoky.

FAQs:

Q1: Can I bake the tofu instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.

Q2: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat in a skillet with a little water to bring back the sauciness.

Q3: What can I serve this with?
Serve with rice, noodles, lettuce wraps, or roasted veggies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions:

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Calories	240
Carbohydrates	15g
Cholesterol	0mg
Fat	15g
Fiber	2g
Protein	14g
Saturated Fat	2g
Sodium	620mg
Sugar	5g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	11g

Let’s Get Cooking

Pro Tips for Perfect Tofu:

• Achieving Crispiness: Ensure the tofu is well-coated with cornstarch and cooked in a hot pan to get that ideal crispy exterior.
• Balancing Flavors: Adjust the sweetness and heat in the sauce before adding tofu to make sure it suits your taste.
• Final Touches: Garnish generously to enhance both the flavor and appearance of the dish.

Art Of

The art of Korean BBQ is all about balance and boldness in flavors. This vegan twist on traditional Korean BBQ showcases how versatile tofu can be, absorbing the rich, smoky flavors of the BBQ sauce while maintaining a delightful texture.

Tips and Variations

• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
• Serving Suggestions: While perfect with rice, try serving with lettuce wraps for a lighter option or over stir-fried vegetables for an extra boost of nutrition.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 240 – A lighter take on BBQ that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
• Carbohydrates: 15g – Keeps it low-carb, focusing on the richness of the sauce and tofu.
• Protein: 14g – Great source of vegan protein, making it filling and satisfying.
• Fat: 15g – Healthy fats from the oil and sesame seeds contribute to the satiety of the dish.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Best reheated on the stove to retain the crispiness of the tofu. Add a little oil or water to refresh the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can this dish be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Prepare ahead and reheat just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

Q: How can I make this without sesame oil?
A: Substitute with more neutral oil and a dash of almond or peanut butter for a hint of nuttiness.

Engage and Share!

Have you tried our Smokey Korean BBQ Tofu? Share your thoughts and any modifications you made! We love seeing your culinary creations and hearing how you’ve made this dish your own. Don’t forget to share photos and comments below!

Looking for other Vegetarian Recipes?

• Bold and Spicy Peanut Noodles with Tofu