Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Gochujang

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

A vibrant vegan stir fry featuring crispy tofu tossed in a spicy gochujang sauce with fresh vegetables and toasted sesame seeds. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and crisp. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced zucchini, cooking for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to combine, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 soy sauce from drying out.

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

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 and Gochujang for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 and Gochujang 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.

Related recipes