Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallion

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

A vibrant stir fry featuring crispy tofu tossed in a spicy gochujang sauce, accented by nutty sesame and fresh scallions. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs block, drained and cubed firm tofu, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add tofu cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water, cooking for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 4 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallion 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 Sesame and Scallion?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallion?

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 Sesame and Scallion 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 Sesame and Scallion?

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.

Related recipes