Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Tofu with Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-seared tofu cubes tossed in a vibrant spicy Korean sauce, garnished with fresh scallions for a flavorful, protein-packed dish. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain a 14 oz block of extra-firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add tofu cubes to the pan in a single layer and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tsp honey until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the spicy sauce over the tofu in the skillet and toss gently to coat. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the tofu evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced thin scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Tofu with Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Tofu with Scallions?

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 Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Tofu with Scallions?

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-Seared Korean Spicy Tofu with Scallions 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-Seared Korean Spicy Tofu with Scallions 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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