Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Gochujang

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

A vibrant stir fry featuring crispy tofu tossed in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce with garlic and vegetables. This korean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, sliced into 1-inch pieces green onions 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: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz extra firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add tofu cubes to the skillet and cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes until all sides are crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 3 sliced green onions to the skillet, stir-frying for 2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Stir together 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour this sauce over the vegetables and add the crispy tofu back to the skillet.
  6. Step 6: Toss everything gently to coat tofu and vegetables in the sauce and cook for 1-2 more minutes until heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top, and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Gochujang 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 Gochujang?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Gochujang?

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 Gochujang 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.

What goes well with Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Gochujang?

Korean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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