Spicy Korean-Style Braised Tofu with Gochujang and Scallions

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

Firm tofu simmered in a bold, spicy gochujang sauce with garlic and scallions, showcasing a vibrant Korean regional flavor. This korean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs block, cut into 1-inch cubes 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 220 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 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cut into 1-inch cubes. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy, then remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Sauté over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu cubes to the skillet, gently tossing to coat with the sauce. Simmer for another 3 minutes allowing tofu to absorb flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the dish, and sprinkle 3 sliced scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Braised Tofu with Gochujang and Scallions 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 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

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

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