Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame and Scallions
A thoughtful take on Korean stir-fry featuring firm tofu tossed in a spicy, savory sauce with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for brightness. This korean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs pressed and cubed firm tofu, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cubed firm tofu
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3, sliced scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu, frying for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until edges are golden and crispy.
- Step 2: Push tofu to one side and add 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sugar until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the sauce over the tofu and garlic, tossing gently to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to tofu.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 3 sliced scallions, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Sesame and Scallions?
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 pressed and cubed firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame and Scallions?
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 Sesame and Scallions 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame and Scallions?
Korean vegetarian 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.
