I am excited to share my GOCHUJANG TOFU recipe with you today. As someone who has always been hesitant about tofu, this recipe has completely changed my perspective. The combination of spicy gochujang sauce and crispy tofu creates a delicious and flavorful dish that I can’t get enough of. If you’re a fellow tofu skeptic, trust me, this recipe is worth trying. Let’s get cooking!
Introduction: Gochujang Tofu Recipe
As a vegan enthusiast with extensive travel experience to Thailand, Bali, and Costa Rica, I am always on the lookout for new ways to incorporate healthy and tasty food into my diet. Recently, I stumbled upon a video by Cheap Lazy Vegan showcasing her Gochujang Tofu recipe, and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations.
The combination of crispy tofu cubes coated in a savory and slightly spicy gochujang sauce was a delight to my taste buds. In this article, I will take you through the recipe and the health benefits of gochujang tofu, hoping to change how you feel about tofu.
What is Gochujang Tofu?
Gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste that has a slightly sweet and spicy taste profile. It has been a staple in Korean cuisine for centuries and has gained popularity worldwide due to its unique taste.
Gochujang tofu is a vegan-friendly dish that involves coating bite-sized tofu cubes in gochujang sauce and then baking or frying them until crispy. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course.
Recipe for Gochujang Tofu
Ingredients:
- 1 package of firm tofu
- 3 tbsp gochujang paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
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Cut the tofu into small cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
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In a bowl, mix together the gochujang paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until well combined.
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Add the tofu cubes to the mixture and stir until all the tofu is evenly coated in the sauce.
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Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes and cook them until crispy, flipping them occasionally. (Alternatively, you can place the tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.)
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Once the tofu cubes are crispy, remove them from the pan or oven and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional) on top.
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Serve the gochujang tofu hot and enjoy its delicious flavors.
Health Benefits of Gochujang Tofu
Gochujang tofu is a healthy and nutritious dish that can provide various health benefits, including:
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Rich in protein: Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein that can help maintain muscle mass, repair tissues, and boost metabolism.
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Low in calories and fat: Gochujang tofu is a low-calorie and low-fat food that can aid in weight loss and weight management.
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High in vitamins and minerals: Tofu provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, which are beneficial for bone health.
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Anti-inflammatory properties: Gochujang sauce contains capsaicin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the body.
Conclusion
Overall, the gochujang tofu recipe created by Cheap Lazy Vegan is a fantastic way to change how you feel about tofu. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that can be incorporated into your daily diet as a healthy and nutritious food option. I hope you give the recipe a try and enjoy its taste and health benefits.
FAQs
- Is gochujang tofu suitable for vegans?
Yes, gochujang tofu is a vegan-friendly dish that does not contain any animal products.
- Is gochujang tofu spicy?
Yes, gochujang tofu has a slightly spicy and savory taste due to the gochujang sauce used in the recipe.
- Can I substitute the tofu with another protein source?
Yes, you can substitute the tofu with other protein sources such as tempeh or seitan.
- What is the best side dish to pair with gochujang tofu?
Gochujang tofu can be paired with many different side dishes, including rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
- Can I freeze leftover gochujang tofu?
Yes, you can freeze leftover gochujang tofu for up to a month. However, it’s best to reheat it in the oven or pan rather than the microwave to maintain its crispy texture.