Spicy Korean-Inspired Gochujang Tofu Stir Fry

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

A fiery and savory stir fry featuring crispy tofu cubes coated in a homemade gochujang sauce with crunchy vegetables for a satisfying plant-based Korean dish. This Korean-inspired stir-fry recipe (vegan), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs extra-firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 20 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and cube 14 oz extra-firm tofu into 1-inch pieces. Toss the tofu cubes in 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 cup trimmed green beans. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Pour the sauce into the skillet with vegetables and stir until fragrant and bubbling, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet, toss gently to coat in the sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 3 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds, and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Inspired Gochujang Tofu Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Gochujang Tofu Stir Fry?

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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Gochujang Tofu Stir Fry?

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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Gochujang Tofu Stir Fry 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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Gochujang Tofu Stir Fry 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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