Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Glaze
Firm tofu cubes pan-fried until crisp and coated in a bold, spicy-sweet gochujang glaze with colorful bell peppers and scallions. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil 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, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra-firm tofu
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips green bell pepper
- 3 stalks, sliced scallions
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: After pressing the 14 oz extra-firm tofu block to remove excess water, cut it into 1-inch cubes and toss gently with 2 tbsp cornstarch to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
- Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet and pour the gochujang sauce over. Toss gently to coat tofu and vegetables evenly. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the ingredients.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 3 sliced scallions before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Glaze 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 Glaze?
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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Glaze?
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 Glaze 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 Glaze 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The tofu turned out so crispy and the sauce was amazing. Vegan doesn't mean boring!
- ★★★★★
This was my first time making Korean tofu stir fry and it was a hit with the whole family! So flavorful and easy.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely loved the gochujang glaze, it added the perfect spicy kick. Will make again!








