Fiery Korean Tofu Stir-Fry with Gochujang
Firm tofu stir-fried with spicy gochujang sauce and crisp vegetables for a hot, satisfying vegetarian meal. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pressed and cubed firm tofu, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cubed firm tofu
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 1, sliced into strips red bell pepper
- 1 cup, trimmed green beans
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2, sliced scallions
- 1 tsp, toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 14 oz pressed firm tofu cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Step 3: Push tofu to the side of the skillet and add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 julienned medium carrot, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 cup trimmed green beans; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp sesame oil, tossing well to coat tofu and vegetables evenly; cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the ingredients.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fiery Korean Tofu Stir-Fry with Gochujang 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 Fiery Korean Tofu Stir-Fry with Gochujang?
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 pressed and cubed firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fiery Korean Tofu Stir-Fry with Gochujang?
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 Fiery Korean Tofu Stir-Fry with Gochujang 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 Fiery Korean Tofu Stir-Fry with Gochujang vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.