Easy spicy gochujang grated tofu recipe (VEGAN!)
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If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful meal that’s also vegan, this spicy gochujang grated tofu recipe is a great option. It’s inspired by Korean cuisine and can be made in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day when you still want something tasty and satisfying. Gochujang, a staple in Korean cooking, is the main flavor component in this dish. It’s a fermented chili paste that brings a unique combination of heat, sweetness, and umami to the table.
The Role of Gochujang in This Recipe
Gochujang is essential to the flavor of this dish. Traditionally, it’s made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt, creating a complex taste profile that adds depth to any dish it’s used in. In this recipe, gochujang is combined with tofu, a versatile protein source that takes on the flavor of whatever it’s cooked with. The tofu is grated, which gives it a texture similar to ground meat, making it a satisfying substitute for animal protein in vegan dishes.
Why Grate the Tofu?
Grating the tofu for this recipe serves a couple of purposes. First, it allows the tofu to absorb more of the gochujang sauce, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. Second, it gives the dish a texture that’s different from the typical cubes or slices of tofu. The grated tofu has a more substantial feel, making the dish hearty and filling. You can grate the tofu by hand or use a food processor, depending on your preference and the tools you have available. Hand grating gives you control over the size of the pieces, while a food processor speeds up the process.
Simplifying the Recipe with Pre-made Gochujang Sriracha
To make this recipe even easier, you can use a pre-made gochujang sriracha sauce. This eliminates the need to mix separate ingredients like gochujang paste, soy sauce, and vinegar. The pre-made sauce simplifies the cooking process while still delivering all the flavors you expect from traditional gochujang. In this recipe, I used Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha, which combines the heat of gochujang with the familiar taste of sriracha.
Easy spicy Gochujang tofu recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 c chopped onion about 1 small onion
- 1/2 tsp salt + more to taste
- 1/2 c shredded carrots about 8-10 baby carrots or 1-2 large carrots
- 2-4 cloves garlic
- 1 medium sweet pepper or 4 small sweet peppers (about 1/4 cup thinly chopped)
- 1 lb extra firm tofu
- 1 tbsp gochujaru powder
- 1/8 c Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha
- chopped green onion, toasted sesame seeds, and/or cilantro to garnish optional!
Instructions
- If you want to serve this alongside rice, start the rice right before preparing the ingredients for the tofu, as it will take a similar time to cook.
- Chop the onion and sweet peppers, and use either a cheese grater or a food processor with a grater attachment to shred the tofu and carrots.
- Heat the sesame oil over medium heat in a skillet or wok.
- Add the chopped onion and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, sautéing for approximately 2 minutes until the onion becomes slightly translucent.
- Add the grated carrots to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add the chopped garlic and sweet peppers to the mix, combine them with the sautéed ingredients, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate the grated tofu into the skillet and continue sautéing for about 10 minutes until the tofu begins to dry out and take on a golden brown color.
- Evenly sprinkle the gochujaru pepper powder over the tofu, then add the gochujang sriracha to the mix.
- Stir everything well with a spatula, and sauté for an extra 2 minutes to allow the heat to penetrate the dish.
- Taste the dish and add salt to suit your preferences, if desired.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and/or toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation (optional!)
What to Serve with Spicy Ground Tofu
This spicy gochujang grated tofu dish is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to create a balanced meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Rice: A simple side of steamed rice is a classic pairing with any spicy dish. The rice helps balance the heat and adds a satisfying texture contrast.
- Macaroni Salad: For something a little different, try serving the tofu with a creamy macaroni salad. The cool, tangy flavors of the salad complement the spiciness of the tofu.
- Side Salad: A fresh salad with crisp greens and a light sesame dressing can add a refreshing element to the meal.
- Cucumber Salad: Cucumber salad is another great option. The coolness of the cucumber helps to temper the heat of the gochujang, while the tangy dressing adds a burst of flavor.
- Kimchi: To keep with the Korean theme, serve the tofu with a side of kimchi. The fermented, spicy flavors of kimchi pair well with the gochujang, adding even more depth to the meal.
Where to Find Gochugaru Powder
Gochugaru powder is a common ingredient in Korean cuisine, made from sun-dried chili peppers. It’s a key ingredient in many dishes, including this tofu recipe. If you’re looking for gochugaru powder, your best bet is to visit a Korean or Asian grocery store. H-Mart is a popular chain that carries a wide range of Korean ingredients, including gochugaru. If you don’t have access to a store like this, you can also find gochugaru online through retailers like Amazon or specialty spice shops.
Spiciness Level of the Dish
The heat level of this spicy gochujang tofu dish is moderate, making it accessible to most people who enjoy a bit of spice. The spiciness comes primarily from the gochujang sriracha and the gochugaru powder. Gochugaru typically has a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating between 1,500 and 10,000, which puts it in the mild to medium range. Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha has a heat level comparable to regular sriracha, so if you’re familiar with that, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect in terms of spiciness.
Adjusting the Spice Level
If you prefer your food spicier, there are a few ways you can increase the heat in this dish. One option is to add more gochugaru powder when cooking the tofu. You can also increase the amount of gochujang sriracha in the sauce, or serve it on the side as a condiment for an extra kick. For those who really love heat, consider substituting some or all of the gochugaru powder with a hotter chili powder, such as cayenne. Just be careful when handling hotter chili powders, as they can cause irritation if inhaled or if they come into contact with your skin.
Is the Recipe Vegan and Gluten-Free?
This recipe is completely vegan, meaning it contains no animal products. The gochujang sriracha used in this dish is made from ingredients like red pepper powder, fermented soybeans, and vinegar, all of which are plant-based. However, it’s important to note that this dish is not gluten-free because the gochujang sriracha contains wheat flour. If you need a gluten-free option, you would need to find a gluten-free gochujang or make your own using gluten-free ingredients.
This easy spicy gochujang grated tofu recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone looking for a vegan meal with a bit of heat. The combination of gochujang and tofu creates a satisfying dish that’s both hearty and healthy. Whether you serve it with rice, a side salad, or kimchi, this dish is sure to become a favorite. With the convenience of pre-made gochujang sriracha, you can enjoy all the flavors of traditional Korean cuisine without the need for a long list of ingredients.
