Crispy Vegan Korean Style BBQ Tofu Recipe
Today we are making a Crispy Vegan Korean Style BBQ Tofu Recipe! Korean BBQ sauce, known as bulgogi or galbi marinade when paired with specific meats, is a rich, flavorful sauce often used in Korean cuisine for grilling and marinating. It combines a balanced blend of sweet, spicy, and savory elements that create an unforgettable umami taste. Traditionally, it’s crafted with ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and gochujang (a Korean chili paste), which together provide a complex depth to dishes. In Korean BBQ, this sauce is brushed onto meats or veggies, caramelizing over heat to create a sticky, flavorful glaze that defines the taste of Korean BBQ.
In this vegan take on a classic, we’re capturing the essence of Korean BBQ by using tofu as a perfect canvas to absorb the sauce. Tofu’s naturally mild flavor allows it to soak up the rich, layered taste of the BBQ sauce, while cornstarch helps it get a beautifully crispy exterior. Each tofu cube becomes golden and crisp on the outside while remaining soft and tender within, giving you the same satisfying bite you’d expect from Korean BBQ. The sauce here is a harmonious mix of sweet coconut sugar, savory tamari, fragrant sesame oil, fresh garlic, ginger, and a touch of gochujang, bringing a depth of flavor that’s rich and authentic.
What makes this Crispy Vegan Korean Style BBQ Tofu recipe so special is how it transforms simple tofu into a bold and crave-worthy dish. With a quick marinade, high heat, and a final glaze of BBQ sauce, the tofu becomes delightfully sticky and caramelized, delivering that signature Korean BBQ flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course with rice and veggies or as a snack with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for garnish, this vegan-friendly dish brings a taste of Korean street food to your home kitchen—without any animal products.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Vegan Korean Style BBQ Tofu Recipe
Perfectly Crisp and Flavor-Packed: This recipe nails that elusive balance of crispy outside and tender inside, thanks to the cornstarch coating on the tofu. Each bite is a satisfying combination of crunch and softness, and the Korean BBQ sauce clings to every piece, delivering a bold and vibrant flavor in each mouthful. It’s the perfect vegan take on that classic BBQ texture!
Authentic Flavors, Plant-Based Goodness: With ingredients like gochujang, fresh garlic, and sesame oil, this tofu brings the authentic flavors of Korean BBQ without any animal products. It’s a great way to enjoy those iconic sweet, spicy, and umami notes while keeping things completely plant-based—ideal for anyone craving classic Korean tastes in a healthier, cruelty-free way.
Substitutions
Tofu: Opt for extra-firm tofu for the best results. It has the right texture and consistency for the crispiest tofu. GMO soy crops are grown using artificial fertilizers and pesticides, so I avoid them if I can. However, I usually find the main tofu brands available in my local supermarket are already non-GMO, such as Soyganic and Sunrise!
Coconut Sugar: Swap in vegan brown sugar. Not all sugar is vegan, due to bone char being used in the processing step! So you’ll want to look for specific brands that have vegan sugar labeled on them (such as Wholesome brand).
Tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free, lower-sodium version of soy sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, you can swap in soy sauce. You may have to use less than the tamari called for in the recipe though, since it is saltier. It’s also not gluten-free, so this recipe will not be gluten-free if swapping in soy sauce instead of tamari.
Gochugaru: Gochugaru is a popular Korean chili powder made from sun-dried red chili peppers. It’s a key ingredient in Korean cooking, bringing a bright red color and a uniquely smoky, fruity heat to dishes. You can omit it or sprinkle in some of your favorite red chili flakes.
Crispy Vegan Korean Style BBQ Tofu Recipe Notes
- Optional: To get an even crispier texture, press the tofu before cooking to remove as much moisture as possible. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and place a heavy object (like a cast iron pan) on top for minutes.
- This dish can be paired with steamed rice, fresh vegetables, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for an authentic Korean-inspired meal.
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If you make this Crispy Vegan Korean Style BBQ Tofu Recipe, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Crispy Vegan Korean Style BBQ Tofu Recipe
Equipment
- 2 Skillets
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 6 tbsp coconut sugar
- 4 tbsp tamari
- 1½ tbsp chili garlic paste
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic grated
- ¼ tsp gochugaru
For the Tofu
- 1 block extra-firm tofu cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp black sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a skillet over high heat, whisk together all the sauce ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Let it cook until thick, for a couple minutes. Stir it continuously.
- In a second skillet, add in the 3 tbsp avocado oil over medium heat.
- While the skillet is heating, toss the cornstarch with the cubed tofu in a bowl.
- Once the skillet is hot, evenly spread the tofu cubes on it.
- Let them cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side, then flip the pieces and repeat on the other side. Move the tofu around as it cooks, so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the skillet.
- Once crispy, pour the sauce over top. Cook for another minute or so, until the sauce has thickened over the tofu.
- Remove from the heat and sprinkle the tofu with black sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice!
Notes
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Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat on the stovetop.
