Spicy Korean-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame and Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried in a spicy gochujang sauce with crisp vegetables, finished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, grated ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook, turning occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 julienned carrot and 1 sliced red bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Cook and stir until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet, toss gently to coat all pieces in the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 3 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

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

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 Sesame and Scallions?

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 Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Sesame and Scallions 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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