Spicy Korean-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili
Firm tofu stir-fried in a sizzling garlic-chili sauce that balances heat and umami for a satisfying vegetarian main. This Korean recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, minced garlic 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, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2, chopped green onions
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
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Equipment for this recipe
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Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 14 oz firm tofu and cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 2: Lower heat to medium and add 4 cloves minced garlic to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) over the tofu and stir quickly to coat.
- Step 4: Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sugar in a small bowl, then pour over the tofu. Toss gently and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.








