Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame

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

Firm tofu stir-fried with crunchy vegetables and a spicy gochujang sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds for an umami-packed vegan dish. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, sesame oil, garlic cloves 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 (9 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: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add 14 oz pressed extra firm tofu cubes; cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden on one side, then flip and cook another 3 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy; transfer tofu to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 julienned medium carrot and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper; stir-fry for 4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar; pour the sauce into the skillet along with the tofu cubes and 3 sliced green onions; toss gently for 2 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir fry before serving hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame?

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 Sesame 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 Sesame 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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