Vegan Mac n’ Cheeze with Spicy Gochujang Tofu

Craving cozy comfort food with a spicy kick? This Vegan Gochujang Tofu Mac & Cheese is it. Creamy, dreamy mac made with silken tofu, topped with crispy gochujang-glazed tofu chunks. One bite and you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

For the Mac n Cheeze:

• 3 cups macaroni

• 2 tbsp vegan butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk

• 1 ¼ cups silken tofu

• ⅓ cup nutritional yeast

• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp white miso paste

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp turmeric

• Salt to taste

For the Gochujang Tofu:

• 14 oz extra-firm tofu

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 heaping tbsp gochujang

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp water + 1 tsp cornstarch

• Sliced green onions, Sesame seeds, or Chili crisp (for optional toppings)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a blender, combine plant milk, silken tofu, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, miso paste, garlic powder, turmeric, and salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. In a saucepan, melt vegan butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Slowly pour the blended tofu mixture into the roux, whisking constantly until smooth. Reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes, stirring often, until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Tear firm tofu into chunks. Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated, then drizzle with sesame oil and toss again.

6. Air fry the tofu at 390°F for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy, or bake at 415°F for 15–17 minutes, flipping halfway through.

7. In a pan, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, and a splash of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

8. Add the crispy tofu and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

9. Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.

10. Top with gochujang tofu, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chili crisp if using.