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

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

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce with crisp vegetables for a colorful and flavorful Korean-inspired vegetarian dish. This Korean-inspired stir-fry recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs firm tofu, 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain a 14 oz block of firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and sauté for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 julienned carrot, 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1 cup trimmed green beans to the skillet with the tofu. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Pour the gochujang sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Toss well to coat and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes everything evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 chopped scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Vegetables?

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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Gochujang and Vegetables?

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 Vegetables 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 Vegetables 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes