Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Kimchi and Sesame

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

A quick, flavorful stir fry featuring crispy tofu, spicy kimchi, and a savory sesame sauce for an authentic Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs block, pressed and cubed Firm tofu, Vegetable oil, chopped Kimchi for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup chopped kimchi to the skillet, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and kimchi slightly softened.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp sesame oil.
  4. Step 4: Pour the sauce over tofu and kimchi, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot over 2 cups cooked jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Kimchi and Sesame 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 Kimchi 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 Kimchi 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 Kimchi 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 Kimchi 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.

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