Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-05 · Updated 2026-05-05

A vibrant stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and vegetables tossed in a spicy, savory gochujang sauce for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This korean-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed, sesame oil, red bell pepper, sliced into strips for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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 extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 3 stalks green onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 1 medium sliced zucchini, and 1 large julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
4. Step 4: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 3 chopped green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry before serving with steamed rice or noodles.