Spicy Korean Tofu Stir Fry with Gochujang Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-19 · Updated 2026-06-19

A bold and spicy tofu stir fry using half the usual soy sauce and a flavorful homemade gochujang glaze. This Korean-inspired stir-fry recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs extra firm tofu, sesame oil, green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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

• 7 oz (half a standard block), pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 medium, sliced into thin strips green bell pepper
• 1/2 medium, julienned carrot
• 2 stalks, sliced scallions
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Woks that get real sear at home → Best Woks for 2026: Carbon Steel, Nonstick & Flat-Bottom Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 7 oz pressed tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 medium sliced green bell pepper, and 1/2 medium julienned carrot. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and garlic is fragrant.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the gochujang sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the tofu and veggies.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving with steamed rice or noodles.