Sautéed Korean-Style Spicy Tofu with Sesame and Scallions

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

Firm tofu cubes are pan-seared until golden and coated in a balanced spicy-sesame sauce with fresh scallions for bold Korean flavors. This korean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs block, drained and pressed firm tofu, vegetable oil, gochujang (Korean chili paste) 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: Cut 14 ounces firm tofu into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and sauté for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons gochujang, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon honey, and 2 minced garlic cloves until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, pour the sauce over the tofu cubes in the skillet, and gently toss to coat evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the tofu.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 3 sliced scallions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the tofu before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed 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 Sautéed 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed 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 Sautéed Korean-Style Spicy Tofu with Sesame and 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 Sautéed Korean-Style Spicy Tofu with Sesame and Scallions 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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