One of my favorite ways to unwind after a long day is by cooking up something spicy and comforting. Lately, I've been obsessed with this Gochujang Tofu Stir-Fry with Kimchi. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor! Trust me, this isn't just any tofu dish, it is more than just a recipe; its an easy way to turn simple ingredients into something truly special. Perfect for those nights when you crave something both healthy and satisfying. I’ve had many variations of tofu dishes, but this one is by far the best! It’s spicy, savoury, and a little bit tangy—everything I want in a quick weeknight dinner. It’s also incredibly versatile; add more veggies, switch up the protein, or adjust the spice level to your liking. It’s the type of dish that welcomes creativity!
Gochujang, a fermented Korean chili paste, is the star of this dish. It brings a deep, rich spiciness that's balanced by the tangy kimchi. The tofu, when properly pressed and stir-fried, gets wonderfully crispy on the outside and stays soft on the inside. Combined with the savory vegetables and the nutty sesame seeds, each bite is an explosion of textures and tastes. And the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes! What does this mean for you? A flavorful, healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen! I know how difficult it can be to find the time and energy to cook a proper meal after a long day. That’s why I love recipes like this—they’re lifesavers!
I remember the first time I made this dish. I was a bit skeptical about the combination of gochujang and kimchi, but the flavors just work so well together. I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe over time, and now it’s a staple in my kitchen. If you’re new to Korean cuisine, this stir-fry is a great place to start. Its not intimidating and the ingredients are fairly easy to find in most grocery stores. One time, I even made this for a friend who claimed they didn't like tofu, and they absolutely loved it! That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper. It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures makes it a hit every time.
Required Equipments
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing Bowls
- Spatula
Spicy Gochujang Tofu Stir Fry with Kimchi: Frequently Asked Questions
Spicy Gochujang Tofu Stir Fry with Kimchi
This spicy Gochujang Tofu Stir-Fry with Kimchi is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal. Crispy tofu, tangy kimchi, and a rich gochujang sauce combine for an irresistible Korean-inspired delight.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Press the Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it firmly between paper towels or use a tofu press for about 20-30 minutes to remove excess water. This helps the tofu crisp up nicely when stir-fried. Pro-tip: The drier the tofu, the better the texture!
- Prepare the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, toss the tofu with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. This adds a base layer of flavor.
- Make the Gochujang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gochujang, remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey (or maple syrup), and gochugaru (if using). Set aside. Taste it and adjust the sweetness/spiciness as needed. This sauce is the heart of our dish!
- Prep the Veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Cook the Tofu: Add the marinated tofu to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, until the tofu is golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. Be gentle to avoid breaking the tofu apart.
- Add Kimchi and Sauce: Push the tofu and vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the kimchi to the empty space and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to heat through. Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over everything in the skillet.
- Combine and Simmer: Stir well to ensure the tofu, vegetables, and kimchi are evenly coated with the gochujang sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. The aroma at this point is simply irresistible!
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles. For an extra touch, add a fried egg on top!
- Enjoy Your Creation: Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors and delicious smells before digging in. Each bite should be a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and umami flavors. Enjoy every moment!
📝 Notes
- For extra spice, add more gochujang or gochugaru.
- Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 18g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Calcium: 150mg
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