Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with crisp vegetables and coated in a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze, delivering a bold Korean regional flavor in every bite. This korean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, pressed and cubed, medium carrot, julienned, medium red bell pepper, sliced 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and slightly crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp minced ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium julienned carrot, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 3 chopped scallions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the gochujang sauce over the top. Toss everything together gently and cook for another 2 minutes until the tofu and vegetables are well coated and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Glaze 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 Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Glaze?

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, pressed and cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Glaze?

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 Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Glaze 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Glaze 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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