Spicy Braised Tofu (Gochujang Tofu)

Spicy Braised Tofu (Gochujang Tofu) is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by 하미마미 Hamimommy on YouTube.

Prep: 7 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $2.40 total, $0.60 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g Firm Tofu (drained, cut into 2‑cm cubes)
  • 0.5 cup Water (room temperature)
  • 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Korean ganjang preferred)
  • 0.5 Tbsp Sugar (granulated)
  • 1 Tbsp Korean Red Pepper Powder (Gochugaru) (mild to medium heat)
  • 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil (toasted, for flavor)
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic (minced (about 3 cloves))
  • 1 Tbsp Chives (finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Drain the tofu and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into bite‑size cubes. Mince the garlic, chop the chives, and measure out all sauces and spices.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Mix the Braising Sauce

    In a small bowl combine water, soy sauce, sugar, gochugaru, and sesame oil. Stir until sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Sauté Garlic and Chives

    Heat the skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of neutral oil, then add the minced garlic and half of the chopped chives. Stir‑fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Add Sauce and Bring to Simmer

    Pour the prepared sauce and the 0.5 cup water into the pan. Increase heat to medium‑high and bring to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat

  5. Simmer Tofu

    Gently add the tofu cubes, lower the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for 12 minutes, turning the tofu once halfway through so the sauce coats all sides.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: low simmer

  6. Finish and Serve

    Stir in the remaining chopped chives, turn off the heat, and transfer to a serving plate. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑free (use tamari), Vegan (if sugar is vegan)

Allergens: Soy

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Spicy Braised Tofu (Gochujang Tofu)

Recipe by 하미마미 Hamimommy

A quick, flavorful Korean side dish of tofu simmered in a savory, mildly spicy sauce. Perfect for lunch boxes, banchan spreads, or a light vegetarian main. The dish stays delicious even when served cold.

EasyKoreanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
18m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.40
Total cost
$0.60
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté garlic just until fragrant; burning will make the dish bitter.
  • Simmer tofu on low heat to prevent it from falling apart.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and simmering liquid with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a splatter guard if oil pops while sautéing garlic.

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