Stir-Fried Korean-Spiced Tofu with Gochujang Glaze
Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with a savory-sweet gochujang glaze and crisp vegetables for a vibrant Korean-inspired vegetarian dish. This korean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp sesame oil until smooth.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and sauté for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp on all sides.
- Step 4: Push the tofu to one side of the skillet. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger to the empty side and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 1 julienned medium carrot and 1 sliced medium red bell pepper, stir-frying for 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 6: Pour the gochujang sauce over the tofu and vegetables, tossing gently to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the tofu.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 chopped scallions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds over the dish before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Korean-Spiced Tofu with Gochujang Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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-Spiced Tofu with Gochujang Glaze?
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-Spiced Tofu with Gochujang Glaze?
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-Spiced Tofu with Gochujang Glaze 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-Spiced Tofu with Gochujang Glaze vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.