Korean Marinated Tofu Burritos

This is one of my favourite fusion recipes. Shaking up classic Korean delicacies such as Kimchi Fried Rice, with zesty and fresh Mexican flavours. The burrito filling is completely plant based, using deliciously marinated tofu – that packs a punch, and vegan kimchi. As many people already know, Kimchi is a super food! It hosts a party of good bacteria, due to its fermentation process, which is incredibly healthy for your gut.

I've attached two short video snippets of my time in Berlin, where my team and I celebrated International Kimchi Day – November 22nd. We hosted a Kimchi-making party (known as a Gimjang) that was part of a massive Gimjang event spread between Los Angeles, Moscow and Berlin. I also filmed a cooking demo featuring my Korean Marinated Tofu Burritos, and Kimchi Mac and Cheese.

 

Ingredients

Makes 4 burritos

FOR THE TOFU

  • 400g (14oz) firm tofu
  • 4 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp mirin
  • 2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes)
  • 1 tbsp roasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp garlic, grated or finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1 spring onion, thinly sliced at an angle
  • vegetable oil, for frying

KIMCHI FRIED RICE

  • 250g (9oz) long grain white rice
  • 80g (3oz) onion, finely diced
  • 80g (3oz) carrot, peeled and finely diced
  • 80g (3oz) mushrooms, finely diced
  • 80g (3oz) courgette, finely diced
  • 350g (12oz) vegan cabbage kimchi, finely diced
  • 4 perilla leaves, chopped into 1cm (1/2 in) pieces
  • vegetable oil, for frying
  • sea salt

BURRITO

  • 4 large flour tortillas, 25cm (10in) diameter
  • 400g (14oz) Kimchi Fried Rice
  • 160g (5.oz) canned black beans, drained
  • ½ avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced into 1cm (1/2 in) thick pieces
  • ½ beefsteak tomato, finely chopped
  • 80g (3oz) baby spinach
  • 4 tbsp soured cream (choose vegan soured cream for fully plant-based burrito)

Method

  1. Place the tofu on a large plate with a few pieces of kitchen paper and place another plate on top. Leave to stand for 8–10 minutes to press and drain the water out. Cut the tofu into 2 x 2cm cubes and place into a food-safe plastic bag.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, gochugaru, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and spring onion. Tip the mixture into the bag with the tofu and allow to marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
  3. While marinating, make the kimchi fried rice. Cook the rice according to the packet instructions or in a rice cooker. Once done, spread out evenly on a sheet tray to dry and leave to one side.
  4. In a non-stick pan set over medium–high heat, drizzle in a little vegetable oil and tip in the onion, carrot, mushrooms and courgette. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened, then add the rice and cook for a further 2 minutes, tossing until well incorporated. Add the chopped kimchi and perilla leaves and cook for a further 2–3 minutes, mixing it well into the rice. Season with sea salt, to taste. Cover and keep warm while you cook the tofu.
  5. Place a non-stick frying pan over a medium–low heat and drizzle lightly with vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Pour in the tofu and marinating liquid and sauté for about 4–5 minutes, turning often, until warmed through and the tofu is slightly crispy. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
  6. Lay the tortillas out on a flat surface. Divide the kimchi rice between them, then place the tofu on top. Spoon over some black beans, add a few slices of avocado, and top with tomato and baby spinach. Roll the burrito closed and drizzle with soured cream.

Browse all recipes

Social media

@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageDid you know Koreans prefer to raw fish totally differently than Japan? 🍣🇰🇷

In Korea, it’s called hoe (회, pronounced hwe) — sliced thinner, eaten straight from the ocean, and traditionally dipped in spicy-sweet chojang (gochujang + vinegar) instead of soy sauce+ wasabi. Sometimes even wrapped in lettuce with garlic + perilla for that bold Korean flavor. 🌶️🥬

🇰🇷 Korean Hwe vs. Japanese Sashimi

•⁠ ⁠Texture: Koreans prefer raw fish firm + chewy (served right after it’s caught in the rigor mortis stage). Japanese sushi leans tender + buttery after resting and aging.
•⁠ ⁠Freshness: Hwe is all about immediacy — caught, sliced, and served for that bouncy bite.
•⁠ ⁠Fish: Korea favors lean white fish like fluke (gwang-eo) + sea bream (domi). Japan prizes fatty tuna (toro) + salmon (sake). 
•⁠ ⁠Flavor: More chewing = more flavor release. Koreans prize this sweet, deep taste that develops as you chew. Sashimi melts on the tongue.

This prized chewiness even has its own word: 쫄깃쫄깃 (jjolgit-jjolgit) — that springy bite Koreans love in raw fish, rice cakes (tteok), and noodles (jjolmyeon).

At Seoul’s famous Noryangjin Fish Market, you’ll find it all: delicate flounder, whole grilled mackerel, fiery stews, and even live octopus (sannakji). 🐙

And when fish is served whole, head to tail, it’s more than flavor — it’s a symbol of prosperity and unity, especially at New Year. 🎎✨

Pick your team:
🍣 Raw Hoe with Chojang
🔥 Grilled Mackerel
🐟Canned Tuna in Kimbap 

Drop your choice in the comments ⬇️ 

#JudyJoo #KoreanCuisine #KoreanFoodCulture #Hoe #Hwe #NoryangjinMarket #WholeFish #SeafoodLovers #TasteOfKorea #FoodieTravel #ViralEats #HiddenGemsKorea #쫄깃쫄깃1 day ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageWelcome back to K-Viral Kitchen — where Korea’s most iconic bites get the @judyjoochef treatment. 

Chungmu Kimbap — a seaside classic with a spicy Seoul revival. 🐙🍚🔥

This minimalist rice roll hails from the fishing town of Chungmu, where it started as a humble lunchbox from a wife to her husband at sea. 

Today, it’s a cult favorite for good reason: no filling in the roll, but all the flavor on the side. 

🍚 Baby rice rolls brushed with sesame oil
 🔥 Spicy-sweet pickled radish salad
 🐙 Marinated squid + tender fish cakes
 🌿 Finished with chives, scallions, and sesame seeds

It’s bold, briny, and balanced — with heart and heat in every bite. 

📍 Ingredients via @koreafoodsuk 
 💄 Glam by @jonesroadbeauty & @justbobbidotcom
 👩🏻‍🍳 Pro tip: Give your squid a quick ice bath after blanching — it keeps the texture just right.

💬 Comment “CHUNGMU” and I’ll DM you the full recipe
 📌 Save this for your next flavor adventure
 👯‍♀️ Tag someone who’d be all over this spicy seafood platter 

#KviralKitchen #ChungmuKimbap #JudyJoo #JudyJooChef #KoreanStreetFood #RiceRolls #SpicySquid #DanmujiSalad #DishesThatBrokeTheInternet #EasyKoreanRecipe #ViralKoreanFood #KRecipeReel #CoastalKoreaEats #ChefApproved #SeafoodSnacks #SeoulEats #TongyeongClassic #WomenInFood2 days ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageIt was a pleasure sharing my story with Bella Wu for her project “Out of the Shadows”, which spotlights women forging their own paths.

From engineering, to finance, to reinventing myself through the kitchen, food media, and television — my journey has always come back to joy, authenticity, and embracing both wins and failures. 

Today, success feels quieter: peace, the people I love, and the simple things beyond the spotlight.

And, I’m so proud of Bella — Even while still in high school, she has already founded evermorehues, a sustainable candle company that supports female entrepreneurs. Her creativity and drive at such a young age are truly inspiring.

Thank you Bella and the @outoftheshadows.bw community for sharing my story. 💛

#OutOfTheShadows #WomenInLeadership #AuthenticJourney #KoreanFood #JudyJoo #KQuick #KoreanFoodMadeSimple #SeoulBird #KoreanCuisine #Korea #Korean3 days ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile imagePart of my K-Quick Recipe Series — quick, bold Korean dishes from my newest cookbook!
Savory. Earthy. Umami heaven 🍲🔥

My comfort stew of choice — loaded with tofu, courgette, potatoes, and spicy chilies. Serve it with rice or next to a sizzling BBQ spread.

I make this warming little stew on repeat—it’s a bubbling bowl of comfort that’s as nourishing as it is bold. I always sneak in extra tofu (my fave!), and if you can get your hands on Korean zucchini, do it—they’re sweeter, crunchier, and totally up the game. Trust me, this one’s a hug in a bowl with serious flavor cred.

Comment Umami for the recipe.

Save this for your cozy night rotation 🍲🔥

💡: @samsunguk
 🛒: @koreafoodsuk
 📚: K-Quick — From my latest cookbook, K-Quick — link in bio if you want the full collection!

@quartobooksuk @quartobooksus @whitelionpublishing
#JudyJoo #JudyJooChef #KQuick #KoreanRecipes #KoreanSoulFood #SamsungUK #SamsungKitchen #KoreanCooking #Korea #Seoulplaza #DoenjangJjigae #KoreanStew #Umami #tofustew6 days ago via Instagram
Loading