Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with crisp vegetables in a spicy and slightly sweet gochujang sauce, perfect for a quick vegan meal. This korean-inspired sandwiches & wraps (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs block, pressed and cubed firm tofu, sesame oil, medium, julienned red bell pepper 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 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 non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed cubed firm tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and slightly crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 julienned red bell pepper and 1 sliced medium zucchini, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water. Pour this sauce over the vegetables and stir well.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet, add 3 sliced green onions, and toss everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Gochujang Glaze?

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 with Gochujang Glaze?

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 Gochujang Glaze 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 Gochujang Glaze 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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