Spicy Tofu Salad
This Spicy Tofu Salad is a vibrant and zesty Korean appetizer that combines marinated tofu with fresh vegetables and a spicy sesame dressing, delivering an explosion of flavors and textures. It's a perfect starter that is both healthy and satisfying, ideal for any vegan or plant-based meal.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Korean
250 kcal
Ingredients
- Firm tofu - 200 grams
- Cucumber - 1 medium, sliced
- Carrot - 1 medium, julienned
- Red bell pepper - 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Green onion - 2 stalks, chopped
- Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon, toasted
- Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) - 1 tablespoon
- Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
- Garlic - 1 clove, minced
- Maple syrup - 1 teaspoon
- Lettuce leaves - for serving
Steps
- Press the tofu for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
- In a pan over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté the tofu cubes until golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and maple syrup to create the dressing.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, julienned carrot, red bell pepper, and chopped green onion.
- Once the tofu is cooked, add it to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over everything, tossing gently to combine.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the spicy tofu salad on a bed of lettuce leaves and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in plant-based protein from tofu, supporting muscle health.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, promoting overall well-being.
Tags
KoreanVeganAppetizer