Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame-Garlic Sauce

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

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with crisp vegetables in a spicy, savory sesame-garlic sauce that packs a punch. 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) 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: Press and drain 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  2. Step 2: Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crispy. Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes to crisp all sides, then transfer tofu to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 julienned carrot and 1 sliced red bell pepper, stir-frying for 4 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet and stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp gochujang. Toss to coat everything evenly and cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and 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-Garlic Sauce 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-Garlic Sauce?

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-Garlic Sauce?

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-Garlic Sauce 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.

What goes well with Spicy Korean-Inspired Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame-Garlic Sauce?

Korean vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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