Spicy Korean-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Scallions

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

Firm tofu stir-fried in a bold, spicy gochujang sauce balanced by fresh scallions and sesame seeds for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This korean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (400 g) firm tofu, drained and cubed, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy on the edges.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp honey to the skillet. Stir well to coat the tofu and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 3 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds, stir for 30 seconds, then remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang 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-Style Stir-Fried 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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Stir-Fried 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 Stir-Fried 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.

Is Spicy Korean-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Scallions vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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