Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce
Pan-fried tofu cubes tossed in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce with crisp vegetables for a satisfying vegan stir fry. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs vegetable oil, medium, julienned red bell pepper, medium, julienned carrot 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium, julienned red bell pepper
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 3, sliced green onions
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 medium julienned red bell pepper, 1 medium julienned carrot, and 3 sliced green onions. Sauté for 4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth.
- Step 5: Return tofu to skillet and pour sauce over tofu and vegetables. Toss gently and cook for 2 more minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir fry before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce?
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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce?
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 Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Vegan and so flavorful! The gochujang sauce is perfect. I'll be making this again this week.
- ★★★★★
This was amazing! My whole family loved the gochujang sauce. Made it for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Tasted great, but took longer than expected to cook. Next time I'll prep the veggies in advance.