Stir-Fried Tofu with Popular Korean Gochujang Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu tossed in a sweet and spicy Korean gochujang sauce, paired with colorful vegetables for a popular Asian-inspired dish. This korean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes blends vegetable oil, medium, julienned red bell pepper, medium, julienned carrot into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and sauté 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 julienned medium red bell pepper, and 1 julienned medium carrot for 4 minutes until tender-crisp and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar, cooking for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats vegetables.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce. Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Cook for 1 more minute, then serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Popular Korean Gochujang Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Tofu with Popular Korean Gochujang Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Popular Korean Gochujang Sauce?

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 Tofu with Popular Korean Gochujang Sauce 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 Tofu with Popular Korean Gochujang Sauce 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.

Related recipes