Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame
Crispy pan-fried tofu tossed in a vibrant spicy garlic sauce, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and scallions for an easy Korean-inspired vegan meal. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic cloves 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 block, drained and pressed firm tofu
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 14 oz firm tofu into 1-inch cubes. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 2 tbsp water. Pour this sauce into the skillet with garlic and cook for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Return crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the spicy sauce. Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil and stir in 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Sesame?
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 Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame?
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 Sesame 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
