Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Seasonal Greens
A vibrant stir fry combining crispy tofu with fresh seasonal greens and a spicy gochujang sauce, perfect for a flavorful vegetarian meal. This korean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs sesame oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh, grated ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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 sesame oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh, grated ginger
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 3 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp, toasted sesame seeds
- 2 cups, for serving cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar, cooking for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add 4 cups baby spinach and toss until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat with sauce and greens. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 6: Serve stir fry over 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, garnished with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Seasonal Greens 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 Seasonal Greens?
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 sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Seasonal Greens?
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 Seasonal Greens 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 Seasonal Greens?
Korean vegetarian 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.