Half-Hour Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry

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

A quick, flavorful stir fry featuring firm tofu and crunchy vegetables tossed in a spicy, sweet chili sauce inspired by Korean flavors. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, red bell pepper 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning gently until golden brown and crisp on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 medium julienned red bell pepper, 1 large thinly sliced carrot, and 3 chopped green onions. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  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 1/4 cup water until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds on top and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Half-Hour Spicy Korean-Style 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Hour Spicy Korean-Style 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 Half-Hour Spicy Korean-Style 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 Half-Hour Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry 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.

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