Gochujang Tofu Fries

Ingredients

• 200 g super-firm tofu (Cut into crinkle-cut fries; use straight from the refrigerator without boiling, freezing, or pressing.)
• 1 tbsp oil (For tossing the tofu.)
• 1 tbsp cornflour (For coating the tofu.)
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean fermented chili paste.)
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp garlic granules
• 3 tbsp water (For thinning the glaze before reducing.)
• sesame seeds (For garnish; amount to taste.)
• spring onion (Thinly sliced, for garnish; amount to taste.)

Steps

1. 1

   Cut the super-firm tofu into crinkle-cut fries. Keep the pieces relatively even so they cook at the same rate.

2. 2

   Place the tofu fries in a bowl, add the oil, and toss until evenly coated.

3. 3

   Dust the oiled tofu with the cornflour and toss again until every piece is lightly and evenly coated.

4. 4

   Preheat an air fryer to 200°C / 400°F. Arrange the tofu in the basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary so the pieces are not crowded.

5. 5

   Air-fry the tofu for 12–15 minutes, turning or shaking the basket partway through, until golden and crisp. Alternatively, bake it at 220°C / 425°F for 20–30 minutes, depending on your oven, turning the pieces partway through.

6. 6

   A few minutes before the tofu is finished, combine the gochujang, light soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic granules, and water in a small saucepan.

7. 7

   Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it bubble until it has reduced, thickened, and become sticky, stirring as needed to prevent scorching.

8. 8

   Add the cooked, crisp tofu fries to the saucepan and toss until thoroughly coated in the gochujang glaze.

9. 9

   Transfer the tofu fries to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced spring onion. Serve immediately while crisp.

Notes

For the crispest result, avoid overcrowding the air-fryer basket or oven tray. The tofu can also be baked instead of air-fried at 220°C / 425°F for 20–30 minutes.

Nutrition per serving

• snack
• side dish
• vegan
• plant-based
• high-protein
• air-fried
• spicy
• gluten-free adaptable