Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Tofu with Sesame and Scallions

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

Firm tofu pan-seared to golden perfection, coated in a spicy Korean chili sauce, and garnished with sesame seeds and fresh scallions. This korean-inspired vegetarian 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 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: 15 min Serves 2 Korean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons gochujang, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 14 ounces sliced firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp on the edges.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the prepared sauce over the tofu. Cook for 2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the tofu to coat and thicken slightly.
  4. Step 4: Transfer tofu to a serving plate and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Tofu with Sesame and 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-Style Spicy Tofu with Sesame and 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-Style Spicy Tofu with Sesame and 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-Style Spicy Tofu with Sesame and Scallions 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Tofu with Sesame and Scallions?

Korean vegetarian 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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