Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Gochujang

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant vegetarian stir fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in a spicy gochujang sauce, complemented by fresh vegetables and toasted sesame seeds. This korean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs broccoli florets, large, julienned carrot, minced garlic cloves 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. 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: 20 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until all edges are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp canola oil. Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 julienned carrot. Stir fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the gochujang sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Toss gently and cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through and coated with the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions over the stir fry before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 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 broccoli florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame 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 Sesame 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.

Is Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Gochujang vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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