Sweet and Tangy Korean-Inspired Glazed Tofu Stir Fry

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

A vibrant vegan stir fry featuring pan-fried tofu glazed in a sweet and tangy Korean-style sauce, tossed with crisp vegetables for a balanced and flavorful meal. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 ounces firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss tofu cubes in 3 tablespoons cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons gochujang, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Cook the sauce for 2 minutes until it thickens and coats the pan.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 medium julienned carrot and 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper to the skillet, tossing to coat and cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but crisp.
  6. Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet and Tangy Korean-Inspired Glazed 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 Tangy Korean-Inspired Glazed 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet and Tangy Korean-Inspired Glazed 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 Tangy Korean-Inspired Glazed Tofu Stir Fry 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 Sweet and Tangy Korean-Inspired Glazed Tofu Stir Fry 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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