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

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

Firm tofu stir-fried with crisp bell peppers, zucchini, and a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce for a vibrant vegetarian main dish. This korean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, red bell pepper, zucchini 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 14 oz firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced zucchini (cut into half-moons) and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp honey, mixing well to coat the vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet and gently toss with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, drizzle 1 tsp toasted sesame oil over the stir-fry, and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 3 chopped green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Gochujang and Vegetables 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 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 Tofu Stir-Fry 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 Tofu Stir-Fry 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 Tofu Stir-Fry 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.

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