Gochujang Recipes Vegan: Delicious Plant-Based Ideas

If you’re on the lookout for bold, spicy, and deeply flavorful vegan dishes, gochujang is your new best friend. This traditional Korean fermented chili paste brings a unique combination of heat, sweetness, and umami that elevates any meal.

Vegan gochujang recipes are incredibly versatile and can be used in marinades, sauces, soups, stews, and even dips. The best part?

Gochujang is naturally vegan, made primarily from red chili powder, fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, and salt, offering a rich depth of flavor without any animal products.

In this post, we’re diving into a variety of easy and delicious vegan recipes that showcase the magic of gochujang. Whether you’re craving something spicy and saucy, or a vibrant marinade for your roasted veggies, these recipes will inspire your kitchen creativity.

Plus, we’ll share tips on how to use gochujang to bring warmth and excitement to your plant-based meals. Ready to spice things up?

Let’s explore these flavorful vegan gochujang recipes together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gochujang is a powerhouse ingredient that instantly transforms simple vegan dishes into something extraordinary. Here’s why these recipes will quickly become staples in your kitchen:

• Bold and complex flavor: The perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes.
• Versatility: Use it in stir-fries, soups, marinades, dressings, and more.
• Health benefits: Fermented ingredients promote gut health, and it’s low in fat and packed with antioxidants.
• Easy to find and store: Gochujang keeps well in the fridge and lasts for months.
• Perfect for all skill levels: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these recipes are straightforward and rewarding.

Ingredients

• Gochujang paste: 1/4 cup (adjust based on your heat preference)
• Tofu: 14 oz firm or extra firm, pressed and cubed
• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free): 3 tablespoons
• Maple syrup or agave nectar: 1 tablespoon
• Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
• Green onions: 3 stalks, sliced
• Cooked rice or noodles: for serving
• Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, carrots): 3 cups, chopped
• Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon, for garnish
• Water or vegetable broth: 1/4 cup, to adjust sauce consistency

Equipment

• Non-stick skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Rice cooker or pot (for cooking rice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Begin by pressing your tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut into bite-sized cubes.
2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
3. Cook the tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and sauté until golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove tofu and set aside.
4. Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining sesame oil. Toss in the chopped vegetables and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
5. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the vegetables. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth if the sauce is too thick.
6. Combine tofu and sauce: Return the tofu to the pan, gently tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve: Plate the gochujang tofu and veggies over warm cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

“Adjust the quantity of gochujang to your preferred spice level; start small if you’re new to Korean chili paste!”

• Swap tofu for tempeh or seitan if you want a different texture and protein source.
• Try adding kimchi on the side for an authentic Korean twist and extra probiotic benefits.
• For a creamy sauce, stir in a dollop of vegan mayo or cashew cream after cooking.
• Make it a bowl: Add steamed greens like spinach or kale, and a sprinkle of roasted seaweed flakes.
• Use the sauce as a marinade for grilled vegetables or vegan “meats” to amp up flavor.
• For a quick snack or appetizer, toss roasted chickpeas with gochujang and bake until crispy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This gochujang tofu stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or brown rice for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it over your favorite noodles like soba, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

For a complete Korean-inspired feast, try pairing it with Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals to add variety to your table. For a refreshing side, whip up a quick cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds.

You might also enjoy experimenting with Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to balance spicy dishes with a creamy texture.

More Vegan Gochujang Recipes to Try

Gochujang Roasted Cauliflower

Toss cauliflower florets in a mix of gochujang, olive oil, maple syrup, and soy sauce. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes until caramelized and tender.

Serve as a snack or side dish.

Spicy Gochujang Noodle Bowl

Cook your favorite noodles and toss with a sauce made from gochujang, lime juice, peanut butter, and garlic. Add shredded carrots, cucumber, and fresh herbs like cilantro for a refreshing crunch.

Gochujang Lentil Stew

Simmer lentils with diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a generous spoonful of gochujang for a hearty and warming stew. Serve with crusty bread or steamed rice.

Vegan Gochujang Burger

Mix mashed chickpeas with breadcrumbs, diced onions, and gochujang paste. Form into patties and pan-fry until golden.

Serve on a bun with vegan mayo and pickled vegetables.

Explore these recipes and more to keep your vegan meals exciting and packed with flavor. For additional inspiration, check out this collection of Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

Gochujang is a fantastic ingredient that can invigorate your vegan cooking with its rich, spicy, and complex flavor profile. From stir-fries and noodles to stews and roasted veggies, this fermented chili paste makes it easy to create dishes that are both healthy and deeply satisfying.

The recipes shared here are not only delicious but also approachable for cooks of all levels. Incorporating gochujang into your kitchen repertoire opens up a world of vibrant, plant-based meals that are perfect for any occasion.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with these recipes and make them your own by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources. To continue exploring delicious vegan dishes, consider trying the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert or the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for effortless weeknight dinners.

Happy cooking and enjoy the spicy adventure!

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