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12 Plant-Based Spicy Korean Recipes

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I studied Journalism at San Francisco State University and have written for Patch, Bleacher Report,... Read More

Golden pan-fried extra firm tofu squares coated in a vibrant red gochugaru braising sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

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Korean food is known for being spicy and for good reason. The kick you get from the spicy ingredients often takes dishes to the next level. From Korean spicy noodles to spicy rice cakes to spicy tofu, we’ve got you covered with some of the best Korean spicy dishes. Enjoy!

1. Spicy Korean Red Pepper Noodles

Source: Spicy Korean Red Pepper Noodles

Korean red pepper paste is a great way to add some spice to any ordinary noodle dish. These Spicy Korean Red Pepper Noodles by Melanie Sorrentino are mixed with some of the pepper paste and then topped with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss chard. Sprinkle on some fresh green onion and dinner is served!

2. Spicy Korean BBQ Jackfruit Tacos With Sesame Carrot Coleslaw

Source: Spicy Korean BBQ Jackfruit Tacos With Sesame Carrot Coleslaw

These Spicy Korean Tacos by Joni Marie Newman are the kind of tacos you’d expect to come across at a foodie festival – and they’re every bit as amazing as their name sounds. There’s a medley of flavors and textures at work here and each serves to enhance the other. Spicy jackfruit, creamy sauce, and crunchy coleslaw — what more could you ask for?

3. Vegetable Tteokbokki: Korean Spicy Rice Cakes

Source: Vegetable Tteokbokki: Korean Spicy Rice Cakes

If you are looking for something with a little heat, this Vegetable Tteokbokki by Adam Merrin and Ryan Alvarez is the perfect recipe. Tteokbokki is a Korean dish traditionally made with rice cakes, fish cakes, and a sweet, spicy, thick sauce. However, this version cuts out the fish cakes and covers the rice cakes in a rich, sweet, spicy, red miso sauce. These chewy rice cakes and bold, fiery sauce make this dish a perfect meal for cold weather.

4. Korean Spicy Sweet Potato Falafel Tacos With Kimchi

Source: Korean Spicy Sweet Potato Falafel Tacos With Kimchi

These Korean Spicy Sweet Potato Falafel Tacos by Maikki Vasala combine Korean flavors with Mediterranean falafels and Mexican tacos … this is the most culturally diverse meal you’ll ever have! And it’s pretty darn delicious, too.

5. Dubu Jorim: Korean Spicy Braised Tofu

Source: Dubu Jorim: Korean Spicy Braised Tofu

This Dubu Jorim by Melanie Sorrentino is something that can be thrown together in a matter of minutes that will please every palate. Tofu is braised in a savory, spicy sauce made with red pepper flakes along with onion, garlic, and green onions. It’s crisp around the edges, but tender and juicy on the inside — perfect for serving with rice or noodles!

6. Sundubu Jjigae: Korean Spicy Stew With Silky Tofu

Source: Sundubu Jjigae: Korean Spicy Stew With Silky Tofu

This hearty Korean Spicy Stew by Camille David is chalked full of tasty vegetables and a rich blend of spices that make it mouthwateringly good. The silken tofu adds a smooth, almost creamy texture to this rich stew. It is the perfect stew to warm you up on a cold night.

7. Korean-Style Spicy Tofu and Sesame Cucumbers

Source: Korean-Style Spicy Tofu and Sesame Cucumbers

Tofu triangles sizzling in a flavorful spicy hot pepper sauce … who wouldn’t want that for dinner? Cool it down with a side of fresh and crunchy sesame cucumbers and some steamed rice and you’ve got yourself a Korean-inspired feast that couldn’t be easier to make! You have to try this Korean-Style Spicy Tofu and Sesame Cucumbers by Maikki Vasala.

8. Spicy Mung Bean Sprouts Salad (Maewoon Sukju Namul)

Source: Spicy Mung Bean Sprouts Salad (Maewoon Sukju Namul)

This Spicy Mung Bean Sprouts Salad by Raymund Macaalay is a simple dish, quick to prepare which is good for those lazy weeknights. It adds so much life to any boring and simple dish, try it and taste it for yourself.

9. Korean BBQ Jackfruit Buns

Source: Korean BBQ Jackfruit Buns

These Korean BBQ Jackfruit Buns by Gabrielle St. Claire make for the perfect entrée or small bite for entertaining. You have the amazingly soft steamed buns, an effortless savory, slightly spicy Korean BBQ sauce that pairs seamlessly with the jackfruit.

10. Korean BBQ Wonton Nachos

Source: Korean BBQ Wonton Nachos

These Korean BBQ Wonton Nachos by Gabrielle St. Claire are fusion food at its finest. Wonton wrappers are sliced into nacho shapes, then baked until crispy and given the works — vegan Korean “pork,” barbecue sauce, spicy jalapeños, avocado, and fresh cilantro. Your guests will devour these in an instant.

11. Kickin’ Gochujang Pesto

Source: Kickin’ Gochujang Pesto

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste that adds the perfect kick to meals! Adding some to a classic pesto recipe lends the sauce a whole new layer of spicy flavor. All you need to make this Kickin’ Gochujang Pesto by Joanne Lee is 8 simple ingredients and a blender!

12. Korean Peanut Noodles With Vegetables and Tofu

Source: Korean Peanut Noodles With Vegetables and Tofu

These Korean Peanut Noodles by Maikki Vasala are super quick, yet super flavorful. This dish is so many different things; it’s spicy and creamy, and the slightly sweet peanut sauce makes the noodles and pan-fried tofu truly devour-worthy. The dish includes also a healthy amount of carrots, red bell pepper, and kale that bring some lightness and crunch to every portion.

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