This Korean inspired “drug” tofu is a vegetarian adaptation of mayak eggs (often called “drug eggs”), a popular Korean dish starring jammy eggs steeped in a deeply savoury marinade. By popular request, this version swaps the eggs for soft silken tofu, which absorbs those sharp flavours just as effectively, while keeping the dish entirely vegetarian.
Spoon it over rice, serve it alongside vegetables, or add it to a larger spread for a dish that’s preppable, adaptable and deeply satisfying.
Steps For Making This Korean Inspired “Drug” Tofu
This Korean inspired “drug” tofu is perfect for meal prep or a no-fuss weekday fix! It’s a dish that practically makes itself. Just stir together a quick marinade, toss in your tofu, and let it soak up all those glorious flavour overnight.
The beauty of this dish is in its versatility — the sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste, whether you prefer more heat or extra zing. Here, we’re adding freshly chopped cucumber and bell peppers (a deviation from the original) for a refreshing crunch.
- Prep the tofu. Slice a block of soft silken tofu into cubes and set aside.
- Make the marinade. In a large bowl or container, whisk together light and dark soy sauce, vegan oyster sauce (or more soy if you prefer), water, sesame oil, vinegar, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.
- Add the aromatics. Now stir in finely chopped scallions, onion, cucumber, bell peppers, minced garlic, chilli flakes (or gochugaru), fresh chopped chillies, and sesame seeds. Mix well — you should already smell that addictive combination of spice and umami coming together!


- Combine and rest. Gently add in the tofu cubes, making sure each one is coated and submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate overnight to let the flavours deepen.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, spooning the marinade generously over each bite. It’s delicious on its own, over warm rice, or even as part of a larger spread.

Equal parts effortless and irresistible — this Korean inspired “drug” tofu might just be your newest obsession. So, DIVE IN!

Korean-Inspired “Drug” Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block soft silken tofu sliced into cubes
For the marinade
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1-2 tbsp vegan oyster sauce or substitute with more dark soy sauce (add according to taste)
- 3 tbsp water
- ½-1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- Honey or maple syrup to taste
- ¼-⅓ cup scallions/spring onions finely sliced
- ¼-⅓ onion finely sliced
- ¼-⅓ cup cucumbers finely chopped
- ¼-½ cup bell peppers finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 2-3 tsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes or chilli flakes)
- 1-2 tbsp chopped chillies red, green, or mixed
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice the silken tofu into cubes and set aside.
- In a large bowl or airtight container, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until well combined.

- Gently add the tofu cubes to the marinade, making sure they are fully submerged.

- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours) to let the tofu soak up all the flavours.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, spooning extra marinade over the top.

- Enjoy on its own, over warm rice, or as part of a Korean-inspired meal.
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