Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Korean Chili and Garlic Sauce

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

Crisp tofu cubes stir-fried in a fiery garlic and gochugaru chili sauce, balanced by a hint of sweetness and fresh scallions. This korean (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz block of extra-firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp gochugaru, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the spicy sauce for 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1/3 cup sliced scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds over the tofu before serving with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Korean Chili and Garlic Sauce 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 Tofu with Spicy Korean Chili and Garlic Sauce?

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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

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

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