Stir-Fried Korean Tofu with Spicy Gochujang Glaze

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

Pan-fried tofu cubes tossed in a spicy, sweet, and savory gochujang sauce for a satisfying Korean-inspired vegetarian dish. This korean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs block extra 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press excess moisture from 14 oz extra firm tofu by wrapping it in paper towels and placing a heavy object on top for 15 minutes. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Toss tofu cubes gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey. Cook sauce for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return crispy tofu to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the top and stir.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Korean Tofu with Spicy 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 Tofu with Spicy 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 block extra firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Korean Tofu with Spicy 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 Tofu with Spicy 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 Tofu with Spicy 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.

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