Crispy Korean-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden tofu cubes stir-fried with a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze and crisp vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian dish. This korean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz extra firm tofu cubes and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, and 3 minced garlic cloves until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced green bell pepper and 1 julienned carrot to the skillet and stir-fry with the tofu for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Pour the gochujang sauce over the tofu and vegetables, stirring continuously for 2 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Korean-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Korean-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Korean-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Korean-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crispy Korean-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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