Spicy Korean Tofu

Looking to add a burst of flavor to your weeknight dinners? Try this delicious and easy recipe for Spicy Korean Tofu! This dish combines the bold flavors of Korean cuisine with the heartiness of tofu for a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or looking to expand your culinary horizons, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to make this mouthwatering Spicy Korean Tofu!

Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 2 green onions, chopped
– Sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for garnish
– Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions:
1. Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Place the block of tofu on a plate lined with paper towels. Put another layer of paper towels on top of the tofu, followed by a heavy object like a cast-iron skillet. Let it press for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the sauce and veggies.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, honey, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade.

3. Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Place the tofu cubes in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Gently toss to ensure the tofu is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated tofu cubes, reserving any leftover marinade. Cook the tofu for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.

5. In the same pan, add the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

6. Pour the remaining marinade into the pan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

7. Return the cooked tofu to the pan, tossing gently to coat the tofu with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.

8. To serve, spoon the Spicy Korean Tofu over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

Dig in and enjoy the spicy, savory goodness of this Spicy Korean Tofu recipe. The velvety texture of the tofu combined with the vibrant flavors of the marinade and vegetables will surely make this dish a standout at your next meal. Feel free to customize the spice level to suit your taste preferences, adding more gochujang for heat or dialing it back for a milder version. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this recipe is a winner for any occasion.