Spicy Korean Tofu Wings
Grab some napkins because you are going to go crazy for these sticky, crispy and Spicy Korean Tofu Wings! The crisp outer layer is baked or air fried to perfection, then coated in a sweet and spicy Korean-inspired sauce made from Gochujang.
▶︎If you love that spicy Korean flavor, you need to try my Korean tofu noodle bowl!
Ingredients
Ingredient notes:
- Extra firm tofu: I highly recommend this type of tofu for the best texture with your wings. Make sure to drain it and then press for at least 20 minutes.
- Gochujang: This is a Korean fermented red chili paste with a sweet and savory flavor profile. It is used in our recipe to create that spicy flavor. You can find gochujang in most Asian grocery stores, and even some regular grocery stores as well.
- Breadcrumbs: Use either basic/plain breadcrumbs or Italian style that have some herbs added.
See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
📝Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: After your tofu is drained and pressed, cut it into 10-12 strips, about 5 inches long.
Step 2: Place your milk in one bowl, breadcrumbs in another, and a plate on the side. Using one hand dip the tofu into the milk and shake off excess. Using another hand dip it into the breadcrumbs and toss until fully coated. Set aside on a plate.
Tip: Using different hands in this step keeps this much cleaner!
Air Fryer: Spread out your tofu wings evenly in the air fryer, so none are touching. (If your air fryer is too small, you may have to do two rounds). Air fry for 13-16 minutes at 400 F, until they are very golden brown. Check on them once or twice as they are cooking.
Oven: Preheat oven to 400 F. Spread out tofu wings evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are very crisp and golden brown.
Step 3: While your tofu wings are cooking, make your sauce. In a small bowl, combine all your sauce ingredients and mix until well combined.
Step 4: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add your sauce. When it starts to bubble and simmer, stir it consistently until it’s thickened to your liking. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat.
Step 5: Individually coat each tofu wing in the sauce. Shake off excess sauce.
Serve the wings on a large plate and top with diced green onion and sesame seeds. Optional: Serve with some sweet chili sauce.
❓Recipe FAQs
These wings are best eaten the same day, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. They do not maintain crispiness well once placed in the fridge. You can reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes or stovetop. Microwave can also be used, but they will be softer.
There is a little kick to this sauce from the gochujang, a Korean fermented chili paste. Some of the heat is neutralized with the sweetness of the maple syrups.
If you prefer less spice, use half the amount of Gochunjang. You can also make it spicier by adding
These are great for an appetizer or snack for a party, football game gathering,
▶︎Try out another delish appetizer or snack! These Vegan Taquitos are out of this world!
Pro Tips
- These wings are best enjoyed right away. I do not recommend preparing them hours in advance for a party as they will become soggier overtime because of the sauce.
- Baking vs. Air Frying: I recommend air frying if possible because it will give you the best crispy coating on your wing. Baking will still make them crispy, it just takes twice as long to achieve that texture.
- I think these wings have a lot of flavor on their own, but feel free to add a sweet chili sauce for dipping if you want a sweet pairing with the spicier sauce.
- Adjust the amount of Gochujang to your liking. 1 Tbsp is just enough to give it a slight heat with each bite, but if you really like heat, consider adding 1.5 Tbsp (even 2!) Taste the sauce as you adjust it.
- I DO NOT recommend substituting out Gochujang with another chili paste as you will not get the same results.
- Get your tofu wings really crispy in the air fryer before adding the sauce.
⇨ More Great Appetizers !⇦
♡ Did you love this recipe? ♡
Leave a ⭐️rating and ✏️comment below (I love to read them!) Tag us on Instagram with a photo or video of your dish 📸 @naturallieplantbased.
Subscribe for more delicious recipes!
Spicy Korean Tofu Wings
Save This Recipe
Want to get this recipe in your email? Just enter your email below and get it now along with new recipe updates!
Ingredients
- 14 oz block of extra firm tofu drained and pressed for 20 minutes
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk unsweetened
- 1 cup bread crumbs plain (or you can also use Italian for some herb flavor)
Asian Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) (taste your sauce and add another 1/2 tbsp or more if you like more heat)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger or ginger paste
Optional Toppings
- finely diced green onions
- sesame seeds
- sweet chili sauce for dipping
Instructions
- After your tofu is drained and pressed, cut it into 10-12 strips, about 5 inches long.14 oz block of extra firm tofu
- Place your milk in one bowl, breadcrumbs in another, and a plate on the side. Using one hand dip the tofu into the milk and shake off excess. Using another hand dip it into the breadcrumbs and toss until fully coated.Set aside on a plate. Tip: Using different hands in this step keeps this much cleaner!1/2 cup non-dairy milk, 1 cup bread crumbs
- Air Fryer: Spread out your tofu wings evenly in the air fryer, so none are touching. (If your air fryer is too small, you may have to do two rounds). Air fry for 13-16 minutes at 400 F, until they are very golden brown. Check on them once or twice as they are cooking. Oven: Preheat oven to 400 F. Spread out tofu wings evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are very crisp and golden brown.
Asian Sauce
- While your tofu wings are cooking, make your sauce.In a small bowl, combine all your sauce ingredients and mix until well combined.1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tsp grated ginger or ginger paste, 1 tbsp water
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add your sauce. When it starts to bubble and simmer, stir it consistently until it's thickened to your liking. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat.
- Individually coat each tofu wing in the sauce. Shake off excess sauce.
- Serve the wings on a large plate and top with diced green onion and sesame seeds. Optional: Serve with some sweet chili sauce.
Notes
- I think these wings have a lot of flavor on their own, but feel free to add a sweet chili sauce for dipping if you want a sweet pairing with the spicier sauce.
- Adjust the amount of Gochujang to your liking. 1 Tbsp is just enough to give it a slight heat with each bite, but if you really like heat, consider adding 1.5 Tbsp (even 2!) Taste the sauce as you adjust it.
- I DO NOT recommend substituting out Gochujang with another chili paste as you will not get the same results.
- Get your tofu wings really crispy in the air fryer before adding the sauce.
