Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy Soy-Garlic Glaze

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

Firm tofu pan-seared to golden perfection and coated in a bold, spicy soy-garlic glaze, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds for a satisfying vegetarian Korean dish. This korean (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs soy sauce, gochujang, minced garlic 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
  2. Step 2: Carefully add 14 oz firm tofu slices (pressed and 1/2-inch thick) and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on edges; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the spicy soy-garlic glaze into the skillet and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu slices to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them, coating each piece thoroughly; cook for another minute to absorb flavors.
  6. Step 6: Transfer tofu to a serving dish and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm with steamed rice or as a vegetarian main.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy Soy-Garlic Glaze 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 Tofu with Spicy Soy-Garlic 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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy Soy-Garlic 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-Seared Tofu with Spicy Soy-Garlic 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-Seared Tofu with Spicy Soy-Garlic Glaze 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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