Spicy Korean-Inspired Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Vegetables

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

A quick stir-fry featuring firm tofu and colorful vegetables coated in a spicy-sweet Korean gochujang sauce. This korean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, drained and cubed, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the tofu cubes for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil until smooth.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 medium julienned carrot and 1 medium sliced red bell pepper; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the fried tofu to the skillet and pour the gochujang sauce over everything. Toss gently and cook for 2 more minutes until tofu and vegetables are evenly coated and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced green onions, 1 tbsp sesame seeds, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Inspired Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and 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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and 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 firm tofu, drained and cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Inspired Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and 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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and 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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Vegetables 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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