Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Garlic

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

A vibrant stir fry combining crispy tofu with spicy garlic sauce and toasted sesame seeds for a quick and flavorful vegan meal. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste) 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubed into 1-inch pieces and cook, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 tsp honey or maple syrup.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 thinly sliced medium red bell pepper and 1 julienned medium carrot to the skillet with the tofu. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and is fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 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 and Garlic 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 and Garlic?

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 firm tofu from drying out.

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

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 and Garlic 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 and Garlic 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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