Korean BBQ Marinated Tofu with Sesame Spinach

Savory and flavorful Korean BBQ marinated tofu, grilled or pan-fried to perfection, and served with a refreshing side of sesame spinach (sigeumchi namul). A delicious and satisfying vegetarian Korean meal.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Calories

285 kcal

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

3 items

Cost

£1.74/serving

Season:

Meal Type:

Cuisine:

Main Ingredient:

Cooking Style:

Mood:

Ingredients

Servings

1blockExtra-firm Tofu(Pressed to remove excess water)

£3.00

0.3cupSoy Sauce

£0.25

2tablespoonsGochujang (Korean Chili Paste)(Adjust to taste for spiciness)

£0.40

1tablespoonBrown Sugar(Can substitute with maple syrup)

£0.05

1tablespoonSesame Oil

£0.15

2clovesGarlic(Minced)

£0.10

1teaspoonGinger(Grated)

£0.08

1tablespoonRice Vinegar

£0.10

2Green Onions(Chopped, for garnish)

£0.50

1teaspoonSesame Seeds(Toasted, for garnish)

£0.05

1poundSpinach(Fresh)

£2.00

1tablespoonSoy Sauce (for spinach)

£0.12

1teaspoonSesame Oil (for spinach)

£0.08

1cloveGarlic (for spinach)(Minced)

£0.05

1teaspoonSesame Seeds (for spinach)

£0.03

Total Cost

£6.96

£1.74 per serving

Instructions

1.
Press the tofu to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into ½ inch thick slices.
2.
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar to create the Korean BBQ marinade.
3.
Add the tofu slices to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor.
4.
While the tofu marinates, prepare the sesame spinach. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 30-60 seconds, until wilted and bright green.
5.
Immediately drain the spinach and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water.
6.
In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach with soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and sesame seeds. Mix well.
7.
Preheat your grill to medium heat or heat a large skillet over medium heat.
8.
Grill or pan-fry the marinated tofu for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
9.
Serve the grilled or pan-fried Korean BBQ tofu immediately with a side of sesame spinach. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (260g)

285 kcal / 1192 kJ

Carbs

17g

7% of RDA

Fat

16g

23% of RDA

Protein

21g

42% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

5 g

17% of RDA

Sugar

8 g

9% of RDA

Sodium

1120 mg

49% of RDA

Saturated Fat

2 g

10% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For best results, use extra-firm tofu and press it well to remove excess water. This allows the tofu to absorb the marinade better and become firmer when cooked.

Adjust the amount of gochujang in the marinade to suit your spice preference. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you want the tofu to be.

Marinating the tofu for a longer period will result in a more flavorful dish. If you have time, marinate the tofu in the refrigerator for several hours.

If you don't have a grill, you can also bake the tofu in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serve with rice and other Korean side dishes (banchan) for a complete and authentic Korean meal.

Cooking Equipment

Large Bowl

Small Saucepan

Grill or Large Skillet

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

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Chef's Tips

For best results, use extra-firm tofu and press it well to remove excess water. This allows the tofu to absorb the marinade better and become firmer when cooked.

Adjust the amount of gochujang in the marinade to suit your spice preference. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you want the tofu to be.

Marinating the tofu for a longer period will result in a more flavorful dish. If you have time, marinate the tofu in the refrigerator for several hours.

If you don't have a grill, you can also bake the tofu in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serve with rice and other Korean side dishes (banchan) for a complete and authentic Korean meal.

Korean BBQ Marinated Tofu with Sesame Spinach

Ingredients

Instructions