Korean-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang and Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-fried tofu cubes tossed in a vibrant and spicy gochujang sauce with crisp vegetables for a quick Korean-inspired stir fry. This korean-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, rice vinegar 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger; set sauce aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz extra-firm tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 2 tbsp sesame oil to the skillet, then add 1 julienned carrot and 1 sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the prepared gochujang sauce over. Toss gently to coat tofu and vegetables, cooking for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 cups baby spinach and 2 sliced green onions, cooking until spinach wilts, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang and Vegetables 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-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang and Vegetables?

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-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang and Vegetables?

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 Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang and Vegetables 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-Style Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang and Vegetables 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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