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Chili Crispy Tofu Recipe

Chili Crispy Tofu Recipe
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Discover a bold and flavorful Chili Crispy Tofu recipe featuring extra-firm tofu cubes fried to a perfect crunch and tossed in a spicy, tangy chili sauce. This easy, plant-based dish offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors ideal for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, with options for customization and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu and Coating

  • 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder / potato starch as alternatives)
  • 2–3 tablespoons cooking oil for frying

Sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 tablespoons chili sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, for finishing

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Press and Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing your extra-firm tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, which is key to achieving a crispy exterior. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
  2. Coat the Tofu: In a bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This coating helps create the golden, crispy crust when frying.
  3. Fry the Tofu: Heat cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the tofu cubes in the pan without overcrowding, and fry them on all sides until golden and crisp. Remove the tofu and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly and add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, then stir in soy sauce, chili sauce, and maple syrup or brown sugar. Let the sauce simmer gently to combine the flavors.
  5. Toss and Serve: Add the crispy tofu back into the pan and toss well to coat each piece in the luscious chili sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil before serving hot.

Notes

  • Press tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove moisture for maximum crispiness.
  • Use oil heated to the right temperature; hot enough but not smoking to avoid burning tofu.
  • Lightly dust tofu with cornstarch rather than heavily coating to maintain a delicate crunch.
  • Do not crowd the pan during frying; cook tofu in batches for even crispiness.
  • Adjust the chili sauce quantity to control the spice level according to personal preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili crispy tofu, vegan tofu recipe, plant-based dinner, spicy tofu, crispy tofu, easy tofu recipe, gluten-free tofu

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