Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Korean Gochujang Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-fried tofu cubes glazed in a spicy, sweet, and savory Korean gochujang sauce for a flavorful vegan main. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 27 minutes pairs vegetable oil, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce 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. 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: 12 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes (pressed and cut into 1-inch pieces) and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, return tofu to the skillet, and pour the gochujang glaze over it. Toss gently and cook for 2-3 minutes until tofu is fully coated and glaze thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Korean Gochujang Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Tofu with Spicy Korean Gochujang Glaze?

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 Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Korean Gochujang Glaze?

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 Tofu with Spicy Korean Gochujang Glaze 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 Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Korean Gochujang Glaze 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.

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