Spicy Korean Tofu Bowl
Why this recipe works
- Bold glaze: Gochujang, light soy sauce, garlic and sesame oil create a savoury, spicy coating that clings well to the tofu.
- Balanced textures: Seared tofu, soft rice, wilted spinach and crisp cucumber keep each bowl varied rather than heavy.
- Weeknight-friendly: The rice cooks while the tofu and vegetables are prepared, keeping the whole dish efficient without needing multiple long stages.
Get the most out of this recipe
Adjust the heat
- For less heat: Use a little less gochujang and loosen the glaze with a splash of water so the tofu still coats evenly.
- For more heat: Add extra gochujang to the glaze, tasting before it goes into the pan so the saltiness stays balanced.
- Keep it rounded: The cucumber and sesame oil help soften the chilli heat, so keep both in the bowl if increasing the spice.
Texture tips
- Dry the tofu well: Patting the tofu dry before frying helps it brown rather than steam in the pan.
- Keep cucumber fresh: Add the cucumber after reheating or just before serving so it stays crisp against the warm rice and tofu.
Ingredient notes
- Use firm tofu: Firm tofu holds its shape better when turned in the pan and gives a more satisfying bite.
- Dark soy changes the glaze: Dark soy sauce will give a deeper colour and slightly sweeter flavour, but it can make the glaze taste richer and less light.
Make-ahead tips
- Store smartly: Keep the rice and tofu separate from the cucumber and spring onion so the fresh toppings stay crisp.
- Reheat gently: Warm the rice and tofu in a frying pan with a splash of water until piping hot, then add the fresh toppings at the end.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear, then cook it in a saucepan according to packet instructions until tender. Cover and leave to steam off the heat while you prepare the toppings.
- Pat the tofu dry and cut into bite-sized cubes. Finely grate the garlic, then stir it in a bowl with the gochujang, light soy sauce and 1 tbsp sesame oil to make a glaze.
- Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add half the glaze. Add the tofu and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning, until lightly browned and coated.
- Add the remaining glaze to the pan with a splash of water and toss for 1 to 2 minutes until glossy and clinging to the tofu. Take off the heat so the sauce stays thick and shiny.
- Put the spinach in a colander and pour over just-boiled water to wilt it, then shake off excess water. Slice the cucumber and finely slice the spring onion.
- Divide the rice between bowls and top with the spinach, cucumber and glazed tofu. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, then finish with spring onion and roasted sesame seeds.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best sear, make sure the tofu is well dried before it hits the hot pan and avoid moving it for the first minute.
- If serving to anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, ensure the tofu is heated until piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace baby spinach with kale for a sturdier green; cook it in the pan with a splash of water until tender.
- Replace light soy sauce with dark soy sauce for a deeper colour and slightly sweeter, richer flavour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Store rice and tofu separately from the cucumber if possible. Reheat rice and tofu in a frying pan with a splash of water until piping hot, then add the cucumber and spring onion just before serving.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 30min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Korean
-
Allergens:
Sesame Soybeans
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