Stir-Fried Korean Tofu with Sesame and Scallions

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

A quick stir-fry of firm tofu with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions, delivering a light yet satisfying Korean-inspired vegetarian meal. This korean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, sesame oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook, undisturbed, for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
  3. Step 3: Gently flip tofu cubes and cook for another 4 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Push tofu to one side, then add 2 tbsp sesame oil and 3 minced garlic cloves to the empty side of the skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 4 sliced scallions, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss everything together to coat tofu evenly and cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the tofu before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Korean 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 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 firm tofu from drying out.

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

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