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.

Spicy Tofu Salad
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

  1. Press the tofu for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
  2. 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.
  3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and maple syrup to create the dressing.
  4. In a separate large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, julienned carrot, red bell pepper, and chopped green onion.
  5. Once the tofu is cooked, add it to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over everything, tossing gently to combine.
  6. Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. 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