Korean-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Tofu
A smoky-sweet Korean stir-fry with marinated beef, crispy tofu, and a tangy gochujang glaze. This korean-inspired asian ready in about 35 minutes pairs thinly sliced beef sirloin, block (14 oz), cubed firm tofu, gochujang for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1 lb, thinly sliced beef sirloin
- 1 block (14 oz), cubed firm tofu
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 tbsp vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp, sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb thinly sliced beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned, then transfer to a bowl.
- Step 2: Add 1 tbsp sesame oil to the wok and swirl to coat. Add 1 block cubed tofu and cook for 5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- Step 3: Return the beef to the wok. Add 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 4 tbsp vegetable broth. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tbsp sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Korean-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Tofu take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Tofu?
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 thinly sliced beef sirloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Tofu?
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-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Tofu for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
What goes well with Korean-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Tofu?
Korean asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.