Stir-Fried Korean Spicy Tofu with Sesame and Scallions
Firm tofu cubes stir-fried in a spicy Korean gochujang sauce, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for a bold umami dish. This Korean-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil 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 block firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 3 stalks thinly sliced scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
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Equipment for this recipe
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Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes in 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the spicy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving with steamed rice.







