Stir-Fried Sweet Chili Tofu Recipe

Introduction

Stir-Fried Sweet Chili Tofu is a flavorful and crispy dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce, the tofu absorbs all the delicious flavors, making it a satisfying choice for both vegans and anyone craving a tasty stir-fry.

Ingredients

• 450 g extra firm tofu (1 lb)
• 2 tbsp corn starch (or potato starch, to coat tofu)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sesame oil (or other oil, for frying)
• 1/2 cup bell pepper (sliced into squares)
• 2 scallions or green onions (sliced)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup room temperature water
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar (or other sugar of choice)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener or sugar)
• 1 to 2 tbsp chili sauce (such as sriracha, adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• Steamed rice (for serving)
• Scallions and cilantro (for garnishing)
• Sesame seeds (for garnishing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Press the tofu by wrapping it in towels and placing a plate on top to absorb excess liquid. Alternatively, use a tofu press.
2. Step 2: Slice the tofu into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes or your preferred shape.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle salt over the tofu cubes, then add the corn starch. Coat the tofu well in the corn starch.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix the water, coconut sugar, maple syrup, chili sauce, soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp corn starch, and minced garlic to make the sauce. Adjust sweetness and spice to your taste.
5. Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu cubes until crisp and golden on all sides, turning as needed.
6. Step 6: Remove tofu from the pan. In the same pan, sauté the scallions and bell peppers in a little sesame oil until slightly softened.
7. Step 7: Stir the sauce again to loosen the starch, then pour it into the pan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until it boils. Return the tofu to the pan and cook a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and the tofu absorbs the flavors. Turn off the heat.
8. Step 8: Serve hot over steamed rice and garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Pressing the tofu well is key to achieving a crispy texture and preventing excess water from diluting the sauce.
• Feel free to double the sauce if you prefer your stir-fry extra saucy or if you want to add more vegetables.
• Swap bell peppers with other vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or carrots for variety.
• Adjust the chili sauce amount to control the heat to your preference.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat to maintain the tofu’s texture and rewarm the sauce. Avoid microwaving for longer to keep the tofu crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft or medium tofu instead of extra firm?

Extra firm tofu works best because it holds its shape and crisps well. Softer tofu may break apart during cooking and won’t achieve the same texture.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to ensure the sauce is gluten-free. Also, check that the chili sauce you use doesn’t contain gluten ingredients.

Stir-Fried Sweet Chili Tofu Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 85 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A delicious and easy Stir-Fried Sweet Chili Tofu recipe featuring crispy tofu cubes coated in corn starch, sautéed with bell peppers and scallions, then simmered in a flavorful sweet chili sauce. Perfect as a satisfying vegan main dish served with steamed rice and garnished with fresh herbs and sesame seeds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tofu

• 450 g extra firm tofu (1 lb)
• 2 tbsp corn starch (or potato starch, to coat tofu)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sesame oil (or other oil, for frying)

Vegetables and Garnish

• 1/2 cup bell pepper (sliced into squares)
• 2 scallions or green onions (sliced)
• Scallions and cilantro (for garnishing)
• Sesame seeds (for garnishing)

Sauce

• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup room temperature water
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar (or other sugar of choice)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener or sugar)
• 1 to 2 tbsp chili sauce (I used sriracha, adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp corn starch

Serving

• Steamed rice (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in clean towels and place a plate weighted on top to press out excess liquid. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes until the moisture is absorbed, or use a tofu press for convenience.
2. Slice the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes or preferred shapes for even frying.
3. Season and coat tofu: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt evenly over the tofu cubes. Add 2 tablespoons corn starch and toss gently until all pieces are well coated for crispiness when fried.
4. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, 1/2 cup room temperature water, 2 tablespoons coconut sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 to 2 tablespoons chili sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon corn starch. Mix thoroughly and adjust chili sauce and sweeteners to your desired taste and spice level.
5. Fry the tofu: Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry until golden and crisp on all sides, turning regularly. Remove tofu from the pan once crispy and set aside.
6. Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, add a little sesame oil if needed, and sauté sliced scallions and bell peppers until just tender and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Cook the sauce: Stir the prepared sauce again to prevent starch settling. Pour the sauce into the pan with vegetables, bring to a simmer over medium heat until boiling. Add the fried tofu back into the pan and cook for several minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu evenly. Turn off the heat.
8. Serve: Plate the sweet chili tofu over steamed rice, garnish with fresh chopped scallions, cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Pressing tofu thoroughly is essential for achieving a crispy texture when frying.
• Adjust chili sauce quantity to modulate the spiciness of the dish.
• The sauce can be doubled if you want more to coat additional vegetables or prefer a saucier dish.
• Use maple syrup or coconut sugar as healthier alternatives to refined sugar in the sauce.
• Extra vegetables like snap peas or carrots can be added to this stir fry for variety.
• Serve immediately as the tofu is crispiest right after frying and saucing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: sweet chili tofu, vegan tofu recipe, crispy tofu stir-fry, vegetarian Asian main dish, maple syrup chili sauce tofu