Medium-Spiced Korean Tofu Stir Fry with Vegetables

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

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with vibrant vegetables and a spicy-sweet Korean sauce, perfect for a balanced vegetarian meal. This korean-inspired middle eastern ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, carrot, julienned, bell pepper, sliced 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 julienned medium carrot and 1 sliced medium red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1.5 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Cook for 1 minute until sauce is well combined and bubbling.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet along with 2 sliced green onions and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to coat and heat through for 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tsp sesame seeds on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Medium-Spiced Korean Tofu Stir Fry with 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 Medium-Spiced Korean Tofu Stir Fry with 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Medium-Spiced Korean Tofu Stir Fry with 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 Medium-Spiced Korean Tofu Stir Fry with 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.

What goes well with Medium-Spiced Korean Tofu Stir Fry with Vegetables?

Korean middle eastern 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.

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