Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame
Crispy tofu cubes tossed in a spicy gochujang sauce served over stir-fried vegetables with toasted sesame seeds. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs medium, julienned red bell pepper, medium, sliced into half-moons zucchini, sliced thin green onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
- 1 medium, julienned red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into half-moons zucchini
- 3 sliced thin green onions
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced zucchini to the skillet and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Stir together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over the vegetables, then return the tofu to the pan and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the tofu and vegetables. Garnish with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame 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 Sesame?
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 sliced thin green onions from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame?
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 Sesame 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 Sesame 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner’s favorite dish now. The gochujang balance was spot-on for our spice tolerance.
- ★★★★★
Took me back to Seoul market stalls. The sesame oil really elevated it—will add extra next time.
- ★★★★★
Authentic Korean flavors without the dairy. Made this for a dinner party and everyone raved.