Stir-Fried Korean-Inspired Authentic Tofu with Garlic and Sesame

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

Crisp-tender cubes of tofu stir-fried with garlic and toasted sesame for a simple, authentic Korean-inspired plant-based dish. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 32 minutes pairs firm tofu, garlic cloves, minced, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press a 14 oz block of firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the tofu cubes and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until golden and crisp on one side, then flip and cook another 4 minutes until all sides are golden.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp sesame oil to the pan, stirring the tofu gently for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce and sprinkle 1/4 tsp black pepper, tossing the tofu to coat evenly and cook for an additional 2 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Korean-Inspired Authentic Tofu with Garlic and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Stir-Fried Korean-Inspired Authentic Tofu with Garlic and Sesame?

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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Korean-Inspired Authentic Tofu with Garlic and Sesame?

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 Stir-Fried Korean-Inspired Authentic Tofu with Garlic and Sesame 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 Stir-Fried Korean-Inspired Authentic Tofu with Garlic and Sesame?

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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