Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Gochujang and Sesame

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with crunchy vegetables and a bold, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds for an authentic Korean flavor. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs vegetable oil, medium, sliced into half-moons zucchini, stalks, chopped green onions 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy, then remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 chopped green onions, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced zucchini. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, pour the sauce over, and toss gently to coat all ingredients. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until sauce thickens and clings to tofu and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stir-fry and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Gochujang 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 Gochujang 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.

What goes well with Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Gochujang and Sesame?

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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