Sweet and Spicy Korean Tofu Stir-Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and flavorful stir-fry with crispy tofu, bell peppers, and a sweet-savory gochujang sauce, served with steamed rice. This korean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs block, pressed and cubed firm tofu, sliced bell peppers, sliced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 3.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Korean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Remove tofu and set aside. In the same pan, add bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Stir in garlic, gochujang, honey, soy sauce, and 2 tbsp water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet and Spicy Korean Tofu Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Sweet and Spicy Korean Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 sliced bell peppers from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet and Spicy Korean Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 Sweet and Spicy Korean Tofu Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sweet and Spicy Korean Tofu Stir-Fry 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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