Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Fire-Roasted Vegetables
A vibrant stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and fire-roasted veggies tossed in a spicy soy-chili sauce. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste) 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 small yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2, sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu between paper towels for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat broiler on high. Slice 1 medium red bell pepper, 1 medium zucchini, and 1 small yellow onion into 1/2-inch strips. Spread on a baking sheet and broil for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway until edges char slightly and vegetables soften.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broiled vegetables, cooked tofu, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; toss and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Fire-Roasted Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Fire-Roasted Vegetables?
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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Fire-Roasted Vegetables?
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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Fire-Roasted Vegetables 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Fire-Roasted Vegetables 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.