This deep-fried tofu recipe is all about contrasts—crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, with a sauce that clings perfectly to each bite. Let’s break down how to make magic with your next block of tofu!
Crisp on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside—this deep-fried tofu nails that perfect texture combo. It’s the kind of dish that will delight tofu lovers and surprise skeptics with just how satisfying tofu can be. Toss in a umami-rich glaze that brings everything together in one satisfying bite, and suddenly, a quiet night at home feels like the best decision you’ve made all week.
This recipe takes everything you love about a night out and brings it right into your kitchen. So, slip into your comfiest clothes, queue up something fun on Netflix, and get ready to whip up the ultimate comfort food in about an hour. With its irresistible crunch and a sauce that clings in all the right ways, you’ll find yourself exactly where you want to be.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about that first bite of tofu when it’s done right—crisp, golden, and full of flavor. This deep-fried tofu brings that satisfaction to a whole new level. Here are more reasons you’ll love it!
- Serious Crunch: The texture here is everything—crisp on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside. It’s the kind of crunch that’s hard to resist and even harder to forget.
- Flavor-Packed Glaze: This glaze isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s what ties everything together. Rich, sticky, with a balanced heat profile, it clings to every nook and cranny, making each bite a perfect balance of crispy and saucy.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Let’s be honest, this tofu looks as good as it tastes. The vibrant glaze, the fresh scallions, and the sprinkle of crunchy peanuts make this a dish that’s as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.
- Impressively Easy: You’d think something this good would be complicated, but this recipe comes together in about an hour. It’s a quick win for when you want something impressive without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Sharing—or Not: This tofu is a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also totally understandable if you decide to keep it all to yourself. Once you taste it, sharing might not be the first thing on your mind.
Key Ingredients
The magic of this deep-fried tofu lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures, all thanks to these key ingredients. Each one plays a specific role in making this dish so satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:
For The Tofu
- Firm Tofu: Firm tofu is the foundation of this deep-fried tofu recipe, providing the ideal balance of texture and structure. It’s sturdy enough to hold up during the frying process, giving you that perfect crispy exterior while remaining tender and soft on the inside. The firmness of the tofu ensures that it absorbs the glaze beautifully, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
- Unsweetened Soy Milk (or any plant-based milk): This unsweetened soy milk forms the base of your vegan buttermilk, a key component in creating that crispy coating. When combined with vinegar, it mimics the tangy richness of traditional buttermilk, helping the dry mixture adhere to the tofu. Using unsweetened milk ensures that the flavor stays balanced and doesn’t introduce any unwanted sweetness to the dish.
- Coconut Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of vinegar is what turns your plant-based milk into vegan buttermilk. Both coconut vinegar and apple cider vinegar have a mild acidity that curdles the milk slightly, giving it that classic buttermilk tang. This acidic touch is key for creating a light, crisp coating on the deep-fried tofu.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is your go-to for a light, crispy coating. It helps achieve that coveted golden crunch by creating a delicate layer that crisps up beautifully when fried.
- White Rice Flour: Partnering with cornstarch, white rice flour adds an airy, light texture to the coating, ensuring each bite is crispy without being heavy.
For The Gochujang Glaze
- Toasted Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way with toasted sesame oil. It brings a rich, nutty depth to the dish, enhancing the glaze with its distinctive aroma and flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a punch of flavor to the glaze, providing a savory foundation that balances the sweetness and heat of the gochujang.
- Ginger: Paired with garlic, ginger brings a warm, zesty note that brightens the glaze and adds a layer of complexity to the overall flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like depth to the glaze, helping it cling to the tofu and giving the sauce its sticky, luscious consistency.
- Rice Vinegar: The acidity of rice vinegar cuts through the richness of the glaze, adding a tangy brightness that balances the dish and prevents it from becoming too heavy.
- Gochujang: The star of the glaze, gochujang delivers a bold kick of heat with a hint of sweetness and deep umami. It’s what makes the glaze so addictive, clinging to the deep-fried tofu and turning each bite into a flavor explosion.
What is Gochujang?
Gochujang is a cornerstone of Korean cuisine, known for its deep, complex flavor that’s developed through a time-honored fermentation process. Traditionally, gochujang was made by blending red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt, and then fermenting this mixture in large clay pots called onggi.
These pots were often buried in the ground or stored in specially designed outdoor spaces, allowing the paste to slowly ferment over several months—or even years. The natural elements of time, temperature, and environment all played a crucial role in developing gochujang’s rich, savory, and slightly sweet signature flavor, with each batch taking on unique characteristics based on these variables.
Today, while gochujang is still crafted with care, modern production methods have sped up this traditional process. Some brands now use sweeteners like corn syrup to enhance flavor, and controlled fermentation environments allow for quicker production while aiming to maintain the rich depth that makes gochujang so beloved.
Here’s a bit more about this popular Korean sauce:
- Flavor Profile: Gochujang is all about balance. It delivers a warm, lingering heat that’s rounded out by a subtle sweetness and a savory depth thanks to the fermentation. The result is a flavor that’s both bold and nuanced, adding a unique kick to any dish without overwhelming it.
- Where to Buy It: You can find gochujang in the international aisle of most grocery stores, or in any southeast Asian grocer. It’s almost always vegan, but be sure to double-check the ingredient label.
- How to Use It: Gochujang’s versatility makes it a must-have in any kitchen. It shines as a glaze, as in this deep-fried tofu recipe, but its uses go far beyond that. You can mix it into soups, add it to marinades for a spicy kick, or blend it into sauces for dishes like Bibimbap. Use it in this vegan gochujang cauliflower recipe, or to make this spicy sweet potato dish.
How To Make This Deep-Fried Tofu Recipe
Prepping this deep-fried tofu is half the fun—it’s a hands-on process that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Watching the tofu sizzle its way to a perfect golden crust and then tossing it in this sticky, flavorful glaze gives it an unforgettable glow-up. Scroll to the end of this post for the full recipe, but here’s basically what you’re going to do!
Prep the Tofu
Cut the tofu in half, then cut those halves into halves again to make four slabs. Finally, cut each slab in half to yield eight chunky pieces. These pieces are the perfect size to give you that satisfying contrast between a crispy outside and a tender, pillowy inside once fried.
Get Your Coating Ready
Mix together your cornstarch and rice flour for the ultimate light and crispy coating. You’ll be double-dipping your tofu here—first in the wet mixture, then in the dry—so every piece is perfectly coated and ready for frying.
Here’s how it works: the tofu is first dipped into the vegan buttermilk you’ve made. This wet layer helps the dry mixture cling better, creating that coveted crispy exterior. After the first dip, you’ll roll the tofu in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it again with the flour mixture.
This double-dredging technique creates a thicker, crunchier crust that holds up beautifully to the glaze while keeping the inside soft and tender—a perfect balance of textures.
Fry to Perfection
This is where the magic happens. Fry your tofu until it’s golden and crisp. You’ll know it’s ready when the coating is a deep, golden brown and feels firm to the touch with a slight crispness.
To get the best results, avoid overcrowding the pan or pot—this ensures that the oil temperature stays consistent, which is key for even frying. Overcrowding can create a soggy, less crispy result. To avoid this, fry in small batches, giving each piece enough space to cook evenly and develop that irresistible crunch.
How to Check If Oil Is Ready for Frying Without a Thermometer
- Fill a cast-iron or heavy pot with several inches of neutral oil and heat it uncovered over medium-high heat.
- After about 7 minutes, test the oil by dipping a wooden chopstick into it, touching the bottom of the pot.
- If bubbles form around the chopstick immediately, the oil is ready for frying. If not, wait another minute and test again.
Make the Glaze
While the tofu is doing its thing, whip up your gochujang glaze. It’s a quick simmer of garlic, ginger, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang, creating a sauce that clings to the tofu in all the right ways.
Toss and Serve
Finally, toss your crispy tofu in the glaze, making sure every piece gets a good coating. Sprinkle with scallions and crushed peanuts for that extra layer of flavor and crunch, then serve it up hot. You’re about to enjoy tofu like never before.
FAQs
Yes, you can absolutely deep fry tofu! Deep frying tofu gives it a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. This method is perfect for creating dishes like deep-fried tofu with a rich glaze that clings to every crispy bite.
Deep frying tofu enhances its flavor and texture, giving it a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist. While deep-frying does add extra fat from the oil, tofu remains a protein-packed, versatile ingredient. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet, pairing it with fresh vegetables or whole grains to create a well-rounded meal.
If your fried tofu isn’t turning out crispy, the oil temperature might be too low. For the best results, make sure the oil is heated to around 375°F (190°C) before adding the tofu. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and cause the tofu to become soggy rather than crispy.
This deep-fried tofu is all about nailing that perfect crispy texture with a flavorful gochujang glaze that clings perfectly to it. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, but satisfying enough to make you feel like you’re indulging in something special on the weekend. If you’re craving a dish that’s both crunchy and full of bold flavors, you’ve got to try this deep-fried tofu recipe!
More Tofu Recipes To Love!
- Vegan Mapo Tofu
- Sambal Tofu with Air-Fried Bok Choy
- Super-Versatile Crispy Tofu Cutlets
- Fire Noodles with Crispy Tofu
I hope you love this deep-fried tofu recipe! If you make it, I’d love it if you left a review and star rating below to help others find and fall in love with it too. Your support means a lot!
Get This Recipe In Your Inbox
Share your email, and we’ll deliver it straight to your inbox.
Plus, enjoy new content every week as a bonus!
Deep Fried Tofu In A Gochujang Glaze
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and smothered in a bold gochujang glaze—this deep-fried tofu is about to become your go-to for plant-based indulgence. Perfect as a main dish or a snack that’s almost too good to share, it’s the tofu recipe that’ll make you forget any tofu doubts you ever had.
Ingredients
for the tofu (wet)
- 14 ounces package of firm tofu, sliced into 8 pieces
- 1 cup unsweetened soy milk
- 2 teaspoons coconut vinegar
for the tofu (dry)
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup white rice flour
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon white or black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
for frying
- canola, grapeseed or vegetable oil
for the gochujang glaze
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, finely minced
- 4 tablespoons water
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup Chung Jung One brand Spicy Miso Gochujang Sauce
to finish
- 4 scallions, sliced
- 1/3 cup crushed peanuts
- 1 tablespoon each of black and white sesame seeds
Instructions
to prep the tofu (wet)
- Cut the tofu in half, then those halves into halves to make 4 slabs. Then cut each of those slabs in half to make 8 chunky cubes. Set aside.
- Whisk together the soymilk and coconut vinegar in a glass pyrex. Place the tofu cubes into the mixture and turn to coat.
to prep the tofu (dry)
- Combine the cornstarch, white rice flour, onion and garlic powders, pepper, and salt in another glass pyrex. Set aside.
to make the gochujang glaze
- Next, make your gochujang glaze by warming the sesame oil over medium low heat in a medium-sized saucepan. Add in the garlic and ginger and allow to soften for 5-6 minutes. To keep it from browning but to allow it to soften, add a tablespoon of water every 2 minutes or so.
- Add in the brown sugar and stir until liquefied. Add the vinegar and gochujang and stir.
- Reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer and reduce for 20 minutes, stirring it as needed to prevent the bottom from burning.
- Remove from the heat. It will thicken slightly as it cools.
to prep your frying oil
- Return to your tofu. Place several inches of oil into a heavy pot (I use a small cast iron pot) over medium-high heat for several minutes.
- You are ready to fry when the oil reaches 375 degrees or when a chopstick inserted into the oil forms bubbles around it immediately.
to double-dredge your tofu
- Now you are going to double-dredge your tofu! Place the tofu into the flour mixture, coating well. Then give the tofu a quick but thorough dunk back into the soymilk, then coat it again well with the flour mixture.
- Working in small batches, fry until golden all over, about 3 minutes.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain while you fry the rest of your tofu.
to finish
- To finish, gently toss the tofu with the gochujang glaze. Top with the scallions, crushed peanuts, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with the leftover glaze on the side.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover deep-fried tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store any leftover glaze separately.
- Reheating: This tofu is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to reheat it, use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. While it won’t regain its full crispiness, the air fryer will help bring back some of that crunchy texture.
- Oil Temperature Check: Consistently monitor your oil temperature with a kitchen thermometer to keep it around 375°F (190°C). This will help maintain that perfect golden-brown crust on your tofu.
- Small Batches for Success: Fry the tofu in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can drop the oil temperature and result in less crispy tofu. Giving each piece enough space to fry evenly ensures the best texture.
- Try Different Glazes and Sauces: While the gochujang glaze is delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with other sauces, like a homemade teriyaki or a spicy peanut sauce. The versatility of this deep-fried tofu makes it a great base for all kinds of flavors.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Dredged, Deep Fried, Sautéed
- Cuisine: Korean, American
This post was last updated on September 1, 2024.
Julie Greenspoon says
I made this last night. The tofu came out excellent and the kids actually liked it. I found the sauce delicious but too spicy for my little one. I would love a recipe with a non-spicy sauce. Thanks!
erinwyso says
Hi Julie, glad you liked the recipe, thanks for your feedback! Here’s a sauce recipe that would go well with it, but isn’t spicy: https://olivesfordinner.com/sweet-and-sticky-cashew-tofu/ … hope you and your little one enjoy!
Natasha says
This is a real winner! It really warms the soul. So easy & delicious!
Shu-Chun says
Tried this recipe last week, it was absolutely delicious!
Thanks for your recipe.
erinwyso says
So happy you enjoyed, Shu-Chun! 🙂
Julia Tanenbaum says
This is a great recipe. I added pan fried cauliflower to the tofu and it was excellent.
Keri says
I love Gochujang! This looks so yummy. Saved to try later. Thanks for all your great recipes!
Greg D Rubenstein says
This turned out to be the best Asian food/meal I have ever made.
I’d give it 6 stars if I could. Absolutely brilliant. Delicious. Yum!
erinwyso says
Greg, so happy you enjoyed!! 🙂
Courtney Farmer says
My husband and I absolutely loved this- we added it to our ‘bedt 5 recipes ever’ list, and it is now in the routine. Thank you so much for sharing!!! FABULOUS tofu and DELICIOUS sauce. Sosososogood.
erinwyso says
Thanks Courtney! <3 I loved developing this recipe, so I'm thrilled to hear that it turned out great for you. Thanks for your kind feedback.
Heather Turner says
I absolutely LOVE this recipe. Made it for my boyfriend the other night using chickpea veggie pasta as a side dish, and it really came out delicious.
Ashley Rosen
Mor says
OMG!
looks so good!
We don’t have this sauce around here, what can i use instead? maybe some beet powder, soy sauce, miso, chili and some thickener?
erinwyso says
Not sure, as gochuchang has a very specific taste. If you try your sauce with good results, I’d love to know!
Maria Koutsogiannis says
OMG this looks so good! I’ll need to try out this sauce.
Erin says
This looks SO good!! Do you think it would work in an air fryer?
erinwyso says
Erin, thanks. I did not try this in an air fryer, so I can’t say for sure. If you try it with good results, let me know!
In the meantime, this recipe is kind of similar, and works great in the air fryer:
https://olivesfordinner.com/2017/02/buttermilk-battered-air-fried-tofu.html
Good luck!
Erin says
Thanks! That tofu recipe is also on my need to make list!
Michael Blight says
I had a problem finding gochujang that wasn’t laced with corn syrup and other additives, and the Chung Jung One bottle that I found wasn’t gochujang. I did, however, eventually find gochujang paste–not sauce–with much less corn syrup, so I replaced it with the sauce. I suspect that the paste has more spice than the sauce. The recipe was hotter than my family and I wanted (though we eat a lot of Indian food), but this recipe was still very good. “It’s a keeper,” as we would say.
Also, the portions here says, “yields 2.” I would disagree. We doubled it for our six people, and we still had some leftovers–probably because the kids didn’t eat quite as much due to the spiciness. Next time we’ll tone down the spice a bit. Another thing: Since this is double-dredged, the coating became lumpy, so we made a second, smaller batch for the remaining tofu. Otherwise, the recipe is excellent.
erinwyso says
Michael,
Thanks for your feedback, and happy you still liked the recipe despite some issues. Yes, paste is more concentrated and therefore hotter than sauce, and can be cut back to half to get the same level of spiciness. It unfortunately is quite difficult to find gochujang that’s not corn or rice-syrup heavy (an ingredient that I assume is a cost-effective measure for producing on a large scale, in a quicker amount of time).
Caitlyn says
I made this for dinner and my fiancé who is a chef said “this is so good” probably 25 times and then said , “new favorite dinner recipe”. So thank you 🙂
erinwyso says
Caitlyn, I love to hear that! So happy he enjoyed, and thanks for letting me know!! 🙂
Johanna Woodbury says
A good, no corn syrup gochujang is where to find around where I live. Asian markets are few and far between, even with a 38 miles is it to work. This recipe looks wonderful!
Benita Gibbs says
This recipe looks and sounds amazing! Can’t wait to cook up something special with gochujang!
Jordan says
I haven’t actually used this before, but the flavor profile sounds right up my alley! I’d love to try it!
Casey says
This tofu looks amazing! I have never used this product, but would be so excited too!
Allison says
I’d probably use it on everything! From tacos to sandwiches to pizza? And definitely on anything with rice involved!
Jeffrey says
I’ll be honest, never heard of Gochujang Sauce. After looking it up I really want to give it a try, the Spicy Ketchup Sauce sounds awesome too! I’d like to add the Gochujang to my burritos, chicken wings and sandwiches. Ever since I hit my 40s my craving for spicy food has really increased. I don’t like spitting fire, just a tingle to wake up the tastebuds!
Prachi Garg says
This dish looks amazing !! I am a tofu lover and always keep looking for sauces to marinate tofu and cook with it . Usually i stick to the typical soy sauce but i so love the idea of using the Gochujang miso sauce.
Hannah says
Love this stuff! I’ll often use it as a lazy shortcut in making soon dubu.
Amelia says
This looks amazing! I would try it on cauliflower. Mmm…
(growloveorganiceats)
Jen says
Good idea!! I’m trying it on roasted cauliflower AND chickpeas!!?
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
I’ve never tried this sauce. Your recipe looks delicious!
Ellen Snyder says
This recipe looks amazing and I will definitely be making the gochujang tofu