Description

This Chili Crispy Tofu recipe features golden, crispy tofu cubes tossed in a bold and spicy chili sauce, delivering a perfect balance of heat, tang, and sweetness. Easy to prepare and packed with plant-based protein, it’s a versatile and satisfying dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy meals. Serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies for a flavorful and crunchy delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu and Coating

14 oz (400 g) firm tofu, pressed and drained
3 tbsp cornstarch
Oil for frying (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil), about 3-4 tbsp

Chili Sauce

2 tbsp chili paste or chili sauce (adjust to heat preference)
2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce if desired)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
1 tbsp sweetener (maple syrup or sugar)

Garnishes

2 green onions, chopped
Optional: toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

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Instructions

Press and Prepare the Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it using a tofu press or by wrapping it in a clean towel with a weight on top for at least 20 minutes to remove excess water and help it crisp up better.
Cut and Coat the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. Gently toss the cubes with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated to form a crispy crust when fried.
Fry the Tofu: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully pan-fry the tofu cubes in batches, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy. Transfer the fried tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Chili Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chili paste or sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar or lemon juice, and sweetener to create a balanced blend of spicy, savory, tangy, and sweet flavors.
Combine Tofu and Sauce: Pour the prepared chili sauce into the skillet and gently toss the crispy tofu pieces over low heat, allowing them to absorb the sauce without losing their crunch.
Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions and, if desired, toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the tofu at its crispiest.

Notes

Press the tofu thoroughly to achieve maximum crispiness.
Use medium-high heat to cook tofu evenly and prevent burning.
Do not overcrowd the pan; fry tofu in batches if necessary to keep a crisp texture.
Adjust sweetness and acidity of the chili sauce to suit your taste and heat tolerance.
Serve immediately to maintain the tofu’s crispy texture.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 0mg