Korea is known for its beef and pork dishes, but another ingredient that is popular in the country is tofu.
Tofu is made from soy milk, which is pressed into white blocks and is often used as a meat substitute.
It makes lots of recipes more accessible, and when combined with the right ingredients, the resulting meals are sensational.
If you are in the mood for some authentic Korean cuisine that uses tofu as a main ingredient, then stick with us and read on to learn about the 11 best Korean tofu recipes.
Popular Tofu Recipes
Tofu can be found in hundreds of Korean recipes, so if you’re feeling a bit spoilt for choice, we recommend starting with some of the most popular dishes first.
From Braised Tofu all the way to Kimchi Jjigae, you won’t be disappointed with the selection we have mentioned here.
This recipe is similar to Dubu Jorim, but it is crisper and filled with delicious goghujang to create a spicy treat you and the whole family will love.
You can enjoy this spicy recipe as a side dish, or you can mix it together with rice to create a more filling entrée.
Gochujang is known for being quite hot, but it also has a subtly sweet flavor that makes it so unique. The tofu will absorb these flavors and you will want to eat it again and again.
Tofu & Rice Recipes
Rice is a versatile and popular component in most Korean recipes, and it pairs beautifully with tofu.
From rice bowls all the way to fried rice recipes, these hearty and filling dishes are perfect on those days when you need something quick and easy.
Below, we have included our favorite Korean tofu and rice recipes, so keep reading to find your next meal.
Rice bowls are a cozy and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
This particular recipe uses tofu, gochujang, ketchup, and a selection of other ingredients mixed with fresh broccoli to create a hearty dish you will love.
If you are not a big fan of spice, you can skip over using gochujang, but just 1 tbsp should be fine for anyone with milder palettes if you want to enjoy the original recipe.
If you are too tired to cook but you still want something delicious, then look no further!
This kimchi fried rice recipe is simple and easy and can be ready in about 30 minutes. It works wonderfully for both lunch or dinner, and it is completely vegan, so much more inclusive.
The tofu adds another dimension to the kimchi and fried rice, soaking up the sweet and spicy flavors in bite-sized chunks.
Serve with the vegetables of your choice, and add in some beef or pork if you have a more meaty diet.
Egg and tofu is a match made in heaven, and you will know exactly what we mean when you try this recipe for yourself.
Made using rice, scrambled eggs, and smoked tofu, this is another quick and easy dish that is perfect for mid-week meals. It is bursting with tangy flavors and fantastic textures, and you will want to eat it again and again.
Serve with the vegetables of your choice, or add in some meat if you want to make a larger meal.
Tofu And Noodle Recipes
Noodles are a staple in the Korean diet, so it should come as no surprise that they are often paired with tofu.
Like rice, noodles are often quick and simple to make, and they pair well with so many ingredients. When combined with tofu, you get hearty, delicious dishes that you won’t be able to get enough of.
If you are in the mood for some tofu and noodle recipes, take a look below.
If you have never tried chili and garlic together, then this recipe is going to rock your world.
The spicy noodles are combined with toasted tofu crumbles, garlic, spring onions, and Gochugaru powder to create a hearty dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Prepping the tofu is the longest part of this recipe, but once you have, the rest of the dish comes together in minutes.
You can enjoy this dish as it is, but if you want to be a bit more adventurous, add in the meat of your choice to make a fuller meal.
Korean noodle bowls are similar to rice bowls in terms of comfort, but they are usually a lot quicker to make.
This particular recipe takes soba noodles and crispy pan-fried tofu cubes in gochujang sauce and mixes them together to create an incredibly morish dish you won’t be able to get enough of.
Serve with pineapple and kimchi to create a spicy dish with a hint of tropical flavoring.
One of the best ways to enjoy noodles is in stir-fries and this recipe is the perfect example as to why you should.
Loaded with veggies and tofu, this recipe is completely vegan and gluten-free, so it is perfect if you need an inclusive meal that tastes incredible. The best part? It only takes 30 minutes to bring this dish to life, which is great if you don’t have much time to make a tasty meal.
You can use whatever noodles you like with this dish, but the best options include chili garlic noodles or Hakka noodles.
Tofu Soup Recipes
Soups and stews have been a big part of Korean cuisine for a long time. These comforting bowls of brothy goodness are incredibly filling, full of flavor, and can be made in lots of different ways.
Tofu is quite a common ingredient in these soups, and they really add a dynamic taste and texture to the dishes in question.
Take a look at some of our favorite tofu recipes below.
Inspired by kimchi-jjigae (or Kimchi Stew), this recipe really packs a punch without the need for dozens of ingredients.
The soft and silky tofu perfectly compliments the tanginess of the kimchi to create a comforting bowl of deliciousness that will keep you coming back for more.
Serve with vegetables if you want to bulk the dish up a bit.
Lots of people think tofu is flavorless, but this recipe will definitely change their minds.
The crispy tofu is nestled alongside rice noodles, and fresh vegetables, and soaked in a delicious spiced vegetable broth. The tofu really absorbs the flavor of the soup.
Use this recipe as an opportunity to experiment with different vegetables.
Conclusion
Tofu doesn’t have to be boring, and these recipes really prove that.
The Korean tofu recipes we have included here are perfect to make at home, they aren’t too complicated to make and they taste fantastic.
Try some of these recipes today and see which ones you enjoy the most. Whichever recipe you choose first, you will not be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Koreans Eat With Tofu?
In Korea, there are many ingredients and foods that are eaten alongside tofu. Some of the most popular examples include rice, noodles, vegetables, and even dipping sauces.
Can You Eat Korean Tofu Raw?
Yes, you can eat Korean tofu raw. However, it is very important to make sure that the tofu is drained of any excess liquid and it is also important to make sure it is stored properly so no germs can grow on it when left unattended.
How Long Does Korean Tofu Last?
Tofu typically lasts about a week when it has been refrigerated. When it comes to working out the expiration date of tofu, it should be handled like any other perishable dairy product. So use that comparison as a guideline.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
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