Shredded Tofu Bulgogi Bowl – The Foodie Takes Flight

Shredding tofu and baking or air-frying it to draw out excess moisture creates a unique texture that almost resembles ground meat. This shredded tofu bulgogi bowl is cooked down in a sauce that’s spicy, savoury, a little sweet, and oh-so flavourful. It’s a delicious tofu recipe you can prepare to serve over rice.

A bowl with rice and shredded tofu bulgogi plus sliced green onions

WHAT KIND OF TOFU IS BEST TO USE?

Using extra firm tofu or tokwa is key for this recipe. There are types of extra firm tofu that come pre-pressed and in vacuum-sealed pouches that are great because they’re really super firm and hold up well.

Firm tofu might work too but it can easily crumble. Silken or soft tofu will most definitely not work since it won’t be able to hold up when shredded.

SHREDDED TOFU

I first stumbled upon this shredded tofu technique on Tiktok and don’t recall exactly whose video i saw but was really intrigued and decided to give it a try. I love how the tofu comes out almost like minced meat, texture-wise, since baking or air frying it really draws out extra moisture from the tofu.

I cooked mine until golden brown and crisp on the edges while some pieces are still white and soft so when you add everything together, you get a really nice mix of textures.

The shredded tofu itself is a great vessel for any kind of sauce or marinade you like but I opted for a bulgogi style sauce.

BULGOGI SAUCE

This bulgogi sauce is inspired by Korean bulgogi. I love to use gochujang because of its distinct heat with a nice hint of sweetness and of course it’s umami. It’s also thick so helps bring the sauce together.

I added some grated Asian pear (grated Fuji apple works amazing too) for extra sweetness to the sauce.

INGREDIENTS FOR THIS TOFU RECIPE

You can find the full printable recipe in the card below! 🙂

TOFU

extra firm tofu (I love using pre-pressed tofu like this one!)

BULGOGI SAUCE

TO SERVE

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Steamed rice, I used short grain or Japanese sushi rice

STEPS

FOR THE SHREDDED TOFU

Remove the tofu from the water and drain from any excess water. Using a cheese grater, carefully grate the tofu into shreds.
Meanwhile, preheat your air-fryer or oven to 350F/180C.
On a lined baking tray or air fryer basket (I used parchment paper), place the shredded tofu and try to spread it out as thin as possible.

For air-frying, air-fry for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown – do not overcook since it can easily harden and become too dry.
You can flip the tofu halfway through cooking. It’s also okay not to get even browning and even have the tofu still white, since this can add to the different textures of the overall tofu dish.

If baking, you may need to bake the tofu for 25-30 minutes.

shredding extra firm tofu using cheese grater

SAUCE AND MARINATING

While the tofu is cooking, prepare the sauce by mixing everything together. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
Want it really saucy? You can double the sauce!

Once the tofu is lightly golden brown and crisp on the edges, transfer it to the sauce. Mix well to coat.

marinating shredded tofu in bulgogi sauce

COOKING THE SHREDDED TOFU BULGOGI

In a medium wok or pan, add in the shredded tofu and sauce. Cook down over medium heat for 7-8 minutes or until the sauce has reduced and absorbed by the tofu. The sauce will also slightly thicken from the sugars in the sauce.
Taste the tofu and feel free to season more, if desired.
Turn off the heat.