Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili

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

Crisp tofu cubes stir-fried with garlic, chili, and savory sauce for a fiery, satisfying vegetarian dish full of Korean-inspired flavors. This korean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced, small fresh red chili, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu and cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy on one side.
  2. Step 2: Flip tofu cubes and cook another 3-4 minutes until all sides are crisp and golden. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced fresh red chili to the pan; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, and 1 tbsp brown sugar; cook for 2 minutes until sauce slightly thickens and coats the garlic and chili.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 chopped green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds over the tofu. Serve hot over 2 cups cooked jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?

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 Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?

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 Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?

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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