Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili
Firm tofu stir-fried with bold garlic and chili flavors, vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce for a satisfying vegan entrée. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra-firm tofu
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 small, thinly sliced fresh red chili
- 1 medium, sliced into strips red bell pepper
- 3 stalks, sliced green onions
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp, for garnish toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu block to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss tofu cubes with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully, until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced fresh red chili, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 3 sliced green onions, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tbsp honey. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir to combine.
- Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently for 1 minute until tofu is coated and warmed through.
- Step 7: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili 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 with Garlic and Chili?
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 cornstarch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?
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 with Garlic and Chili 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 with Garlic and Chili 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.
Related recipes
Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame
Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce
Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions
Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Crispy Edges
Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Vegetables
Stir-Fried Korean Gochujang Tofu with Vegetables
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
