Pan-Fried Gochujang Tofu with Sesame Spinach Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy pan-fried tofu glazed with a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce served over a refreshing sesame spinach salad. This korean-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs gochujang paste, soy sauce, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp rice vinegar until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu slices and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Pour the gochujang sauce over the tofu in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, spooning the sauce to thoroughly coat the tofu and allowing it to thicken slightly.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, toss 4 cups baby spinach with 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 2 thinly sliced green onions until well combined.
  5. Step 5: Plate the glazed tofu atop the sesame spinach salad and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Gochujang Tofu with Sesame Spinach Salad take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Fried Gochujang Tofu with Sesame Spinach Salad?

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 gochujang paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Gochujang Tofu with Sesame Spinach Salad?

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 Pan-Fried Gochujang Tofu with Sesame Spinach Salad 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.

Is Pan-Fried Gochujang Tofu with Sesame Spinach Salad 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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