Spicy Gochujang Tofu with Sushi Rice & Coleslaw

Looking for a quick and bold veggie dinner? This Korean-inspired tofu bowl brings the heat with a gochujang glaze, crispy tofu, fluffy sushi rice, and a refreshing coleslaw tossed in spicy mayo. It’s full of flavour, simple to prep, and totally satisfying.


📋 Recipe Overview

  • ⏱️ Prep + Cook Time: ~35 minutes
  • 🍽️ Servings: 2
  • 🌱 Type: Vegan / Vegetarian (depending on mayo used)

🛒 Ingredients

  • 🧊 280g extra firm tofu
  • 🥬 160g coleslaw mix
  • 🍚 150g sushi rice
  • 🥄 25ml vegan or regular mayonnaise (~1.5 tbsp)
  • 🌽 3 tbsp cornflour
  • 🌶️ 30g gochujang paste (~1.5 tbsp)
  • 🍶 15ml rice vinegar (~1 tbsp)
  • 🧂 15ml soy sauce (~1 tbsp)
  • 🍁 15ml maple syrup (~1 tbsp)
  • 🌶️ 8ml sriracha (~½ tbsp – adjust to taste)
  • 🌱 1 spring onion, finely sliced
  • 5g sesame seeds (~1 tbsp)
  • 🫒 Olive oil, for cooking
  • 🧂 Salt, to taste

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 🍚 Cook the Sushi Rice

  • Rinse 150g sushi rice under cold water for 30 seconds.
  • Add to a pot with 200ml cold water (or as specified on the package) and a pinch of salt.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and keep covered until serving.

2. 🌶️ Make the Spicy Gochujang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • 30g gochujang paste
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • ½ tbsp soy sauce (save the rest for tofu)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • ½ tbsp sriracha (or less if you prefer mild)

Set aside.

3. 🔪 Prep the Tofu

  • Drain the tofu and pat dry.
  • Cut into bite-sized cubes.
  • In a bowl, toss with the remaining ½ tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp cold water.
  • Sprinkle in 3 tbsp cornflour and coat evenly.

4. 🔥 Crisp the Tofu

  • Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over high heat.
  • Add tofu and fry for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
    (Alternatively, bake at 200°C for ~20 minutes, flipping halfway.)

5. 🥗 Make the Coleslaw

  • In a bowl, combine 1.5 tbsp mayo with ½ tbsp of the spicy sauce.
  • Mix with the coleslaw mix until well coated.

6. 🥢 Glaze the Tofu

  • Once crispy, pour the remaining spicy sauce into the pan.
  • Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until everything is nicely coated.
  • Sprinkle over 1 tbsp sesame seeds.

7. 🍽️ Serve & Garnish

Assemble your bowl with:

  • A scoop of fluffy sushi rice
  • The glazed tofu
  • A generous side of spicy coleslaw
    Top with sliced spring onion and extra sesame seeds if you like!

💡 Tips

  • Prefer milder spice? Halve the sriracha or leave it out completely.
  • For extra crunch, chill your coleslaw before serving.

✨ This vibrant bowl is sure to become a go-to weeknight favourite – bold, balanced, and totally plant-powered. Give it a try and let me know how yours turns out!

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I’m Montse

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