Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-09 · Updated 2026-06-09

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with crunchy vegetables in a spicy gochujang-based sauce, delivering a satisfying and colorful vegan meal. This Korean-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs firm tofu, carrot, 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.

Ingredients

• 350 g, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
• 1 medium, julienned carrot
• 1 medium, sliced into strips bell pepper
• 1 small, sliced into half-moons zucchini
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp, toasted sesame seeds
• 2 stalks, chopped green onions

The wok we’d stir-fry this in → Best Woks for 2026: Carbon Steel, Nonstick & Flat-Bottom Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 350 g firm tofu cubes and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on edges. Remove tofu and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 julienned carrot, 1 sliced bell pepper, and 1 sliced small zucchini. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
4. Step 4: Return the tofu cubes to the skillet and toss gently to combine all ingredients. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.