Korean-Inspired Spicy Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick stir fry featuring firm tofu in a savory, spicy garlic sauce with crisp vegetables and sesame finish. This korean-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs sesame oil, minced garlic cloves, grated fresh ginger 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the skillet; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp honey, mixing well to coat the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper and 2 cups broccoli florets; cook, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir fry before serving hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Inspired Spicy Garlic Tofu Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Korean-Inspired Spicy Garlic 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 sesame oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Inspired Spicy Garlic 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 Korean-Inspired Spicy Garlic 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 Korean-Inspired Spicy Garlic 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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