Stir-Fried Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu with Sesame and Scallions

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

A vibrant Korean-style stir-fry featuring firm tofu cubes tossed in a spicy, savory sauce with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for an umami-packed vegan dish. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed firm tofu cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crisp on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp Gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Pour this sauce over the tofu and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat. Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the tofu and toss gently. Garnish with 3 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu 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 Stir-Fried Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu 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 cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu 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 Stir-Fried Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu with Sesame and Scallions 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.

Is Stir-Fried Korean-Inspired Spicy Tofu 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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