Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in a spicy gochujang sauce with colorful vegetables for a flavorful vegan feast. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pressed and cubed extra firm tofu, sesame oil, baby spinach 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 3 sliced green onions for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 3 cups baby spinach, cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still bright.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp maple syrup in a small bowl. Pour sauce into the skillet and toss to coat vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, gently folding to combine and heat through for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and evenly coats everything.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry 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 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 sesame oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Inspired 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 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 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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