Seared Sesame Tofu with Gochujang Glaze and Stirred Vegetables

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

Firm tofu pan-seared to a golden brown, topped with a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze, paired with colorful sautéed vegetables. This korean (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, gochujang, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar until smooth to make the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 14 oz pressed and sliced extra-firm tofu, searing for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Brush the tofu slices with the gochujang glaze and cook for an additional 1 minute per side until the glaze thickens and coats the tofu.
  4. Step 4: In another skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups shredded napa cabbage, 1 julienned carrot, and 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender yet crisp.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 chopped scallions and cook for another minute.
  7. Step 7: Plate the glazed tofu over the sautéed vegetables and sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Sesame Tofu with Gochujang Glaze and Stirred Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Seared Sesame Tofu with Gochujang Glaze and Stirred Vegetables?

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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Sesame Tofu with Gochujang Glaze and Stirred Vegetables?

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 Seared Sesame Tofu with Gochujang Glaze and Stirred Vegetables 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 Seared Sesame Tofu with Gochujang Glaze and Stirred Vegetables 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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