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Chili Crispy Tofu Recipe

Chili Crispy Tofu Recipe
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Discover a flavorful Chili Crispy Tofu recipe that’s easy to make and packed with bold spice. This plant-based dish features crispy tofu bites coated in a vibrant chili sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner or versatile meal option. Enjoy the satisfying crunch, aromatic garlic-ginger sauce, and the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu and Coating

  • 14 oz firm tofu (pressed and drained)
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1/4 cup)

Chili Sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 tablespoons chili sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Press and Prepare the Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. This ensures the tofu crisps up nicely when cooked.
  2. Coat the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. Toss gently with cornstarch until each piece is lightly coated, providing a crispy exterior.
  3. Fry the Tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Fry tofu cubes in batches, turning occasionally, until golden and crunchy on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels to discard excess oil.
  4. Prepare the Chili Sauce: In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar or maple syrup. Stir and simmer briefly until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
  5. Combine and Toss: Add the crispy tofu into the chili sauce and toss gently to coat each piece thoroughly. Let it cook together for about a minute to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the tofu to a serving plate. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Press tofu thoroughly to remove as much water as possible for maximum crispiness.
  • Use medium-high heat when frying to get crunchy tofu without burning.
  • Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can make tofu soggy.
  • Adjust sauce sweetness and heat to your preference by tasting as you cook.
  • Toss tofu with sauce off the heat to help maintain the crispy coating longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: tofu, crispy tofu, chili sauce, plant-based, vegetarian, gluten-free, spicy, easy dinner

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/chili-crispy-tofu-recipe/