Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Scallions

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

A quick and flavorful stir fry featuring crispy tofu tossed in a vibrant spicy garlic sauce with fresh scallions and sesame seeds. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed, sesame oil, garlic cloves, minced 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Remove tofu from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp sesame oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, and white parts of 4 sliced scallions; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water; cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently with the sauce and scallions for 1-2 minutes until evenly coated and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with green parts of scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic 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 sesame oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Scallions?

Korean vegan 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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