Sautéed Korean Spicy Tofu with Gochujang and Sesame
Silky tofu cubes pan-fried and glazed in a spicy, savory gochujang sauce with toasted sesame seeds and scallions. This Korean-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, gochujang, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2, thinly sliced scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 tbsp water
The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and pat dry 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and fry tofu cubes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy on all edges.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, and 3 tbsp water until smooth.
- Step 3: Remove tofu from skillet and wipe excess oil. Lower heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour the gochujang sauce mixture into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until it thickens and coats the pan.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, toss gently to coat all pieces evenly, and cook for another 1 minute to infuse flavors.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced scallions before serving warm.








