Spicy Korean Tofu Stir-Fry

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

A vibrant stir-fry featuring tofu and vegetables tossed in a spicy, balanced sauce with a hint of sweetness and umami. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 35 minutes pairs sesame oil, garlic minced, ginger grated 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 3 chopped scallions; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium thinly sliced carrot and 1 medium sliced red bell pepper; stir-fry for 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften but retain crunch.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 1/2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water until sugar dissolves.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to skillet and pour sauce over. Toss to coat and cook for an additional 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats tofu and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean Tofu Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 Tofu Stir-Fry 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.

What goes well with Spicy Korean Tofu Stir-Fry?

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.

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