Spicy Korean-Style Braised Tofu with Gochujang

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft tofu braised in a spicy, savory sauce flavored with Korean chili paste and aromatic garlic for a comforting vegetarian dish. This korean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs sesame oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh, grated ginger 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: 10 min Cook: 20 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 heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sauté for 1 minute until aromatic but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to skillet, gently spoon sauce over tofu, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes allowing tofu to absorb flavors.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Braised Tofu with Gochujang take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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-Style Braised Tofu with 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 sesame oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Braised Tofu with 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-Style Braised Tofu with 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.

What goes well with Spicy Korean-Style Braised Tofu with Gochujang?

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.

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