Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu stir-fried with crisp vegetables in a vibrant, spicy gochujang sauce for a satisfying Korean-inspired vegan meal. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, pressed and cubed, sesame oil, garlic cloves, minced 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring until edges develop a golden crust.
  3. Step 3: Flip tofu cubes and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy, then remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 medium julienned carrot, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, and 3 sliced green onions, stir-frying for 3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water.
  7. Step 7: Pour sauce into skillet with vegetables and simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Step 8: Return tofu to skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce and vegetables.
  9. Step 9: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Vegetables 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Vegetables?

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, pressed and cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Vegetables?

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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Vegetables 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Vegetables 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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