Gochujang Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-fried tofu cubes coated in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce with crisp bell peppers and broccoli for a vibrant vegetarian meal. This korean (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, gochujang, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 minced garlic cloves until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Sauté 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the gochujang sauce over everything. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, coating tofu and vegetables evenly until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 chopped green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving with rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gochujang Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables 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 Gochujang Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables?

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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gochujang Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables?

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 Gochujang Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables 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 Gochujang Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables 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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