🥩 Korean Bulgogi Tofu Steaks

A healthy, protein-packed dinner that'll make your family fall in love with tofu

🧡 Why You'll Love This Recipe

If you've been looking for a way to add more plant-based meals to your family dinner rotation without sacrificing flavor, this is IT. These Korean Bulgogi Tofu Steaks combine the best of both worlds — crispy, golden tofu "steaks" topped with savory, sweet bulgogi beef that's bursting with Korean flavors.

Your kids won't even realize they're eating tofu (trust me on this one!), and you'll love how this dish packs double the protein while being naturally gluten-free and surprisingly filling. Plus, it's ready in just 25 minutes — perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4 people)

🔸 For the Tofu Steaks:

• 2 blocks (28 oz total) extra-firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

🔸 For the Bulgogi Topping:

• 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin (ask your butcher to slice it thin, or use Korean bulgogi meat)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Asian pear or regular pear, grated (this is the secret!)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
• 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

🔸 Optional Sides:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Simple cucumber salad
• Roasted vegetables

👩‍🍳 Instructions – Step by Step

1️⃣ Prep the Tofu (10 minutes ahead)

1. Remove tofu from packaging and drain well.
2. Place between paper towels and press with a heavy plate for 10 minutes to remove excess water.
3. Cut each block into 4 thick "steaks" (about 3/4 inch thick).
4. Pat completely dry and season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2️⃣ Make the Bulgogi Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and grated pear.
2. Add the sliced beef and mix well with your hands.
3. Let marinate for 10 minutes while you cook the tofu (or up to 2 hours if prepping ahead).

3️⃣ Cook the Tofu Steaks

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add tofu steaks and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Don't worry about cleaning the pan!

4️⃣ Cook the Bulgogi

1. In the same pan (with all those delicious tofu bits!), heat over high heat.
2. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Don't stir for the first 2 minutes to get a nice sear.
3. Stir-fry for 3-4 more minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce is slightly caramelized.
4. The sauce should be glossy and coat the meat beautifully.

5️⃣ Assemble and Serve

1. Place one tofu steak on each plate.
2. Top generously with the bulgogi beef and sauce.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
4. Serve immediately with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

• 🥩 Can't find thin-sliced beef? Pop your steak in the freezer for 30 minutes, then slice paper-thin with a sharp knife.
• 🍐 No Asian pear? Regular pear, apple, or even a tablespoon of honey works great as a tenderizer.
• 🌱 Make it fully vegetarian: Skip the beef and make "bulgogi mushrooms" using sliced shiitake and king oyster mushrooms.
• 🔥 Want it spicier? Add 1 teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade.
• 📦 Meal prep friendly: Cook everything separately and reheat throughout the week.
• 👶 Kid-friendly version: Reduce the garlic and ginger by half, and add a bit more brown sugar.

🥘 What Makes This Special

The magic happens when the sweet-savory bulgogi sauce meets the crispy tofu. The tofu soaks up all those incredible Korean flavors while maintaining its satisfying, meaty texture. Meanwhile, your family gets a restaurant-quality meal that's actually healthier than traditional bulgogi served over rice.

This dish proves that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor — it's comfort food that happens to be good for you!

📌 Final Thoughts

Don't be surprised if this becomes your family's new "fake-out takeout" favorite. It's got all the flavors of Korean BBQ but with a healthy twist that'll make you feel good about what you're serving your loved ones.

The best part? Even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. The combination of textures and that irresistible bulgogi sauce makes this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Pro tip: Make extra bulgogi — it's amazing over rice, in lettuce wraps, or even on top of salads for lunch the next day!