Chili Crispy Tofu Recipe
This Chili Crispy Tofu recipe features firm tofu pressed and coated with cornstarch, pan-fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a flavorful homemade chili sauce. Perfect for a spicy, crunchy, and satisfying vegetarian dish, it balances heat, savoriness, tanginess, and sweetness for a delicious meal ready in just 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu
- 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu, pressed and drained
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3–4 tbsp oil for frying (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil)
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)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts
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. This step ensures the tofu crisps up better when cooked.
- Cut and Coat the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. Gently toss the cubes with cornstarch, making sure each piece is evenly coated to create a crispy crust during frying.
- 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 brown and crispy. Transfer the fried tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Chili Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chili paste, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar or lemon juice, and sweetener. This blend balances spicy, savory, tangy, and sweet flavors.
- Combine Tofu and Sauce: Pour the prepared chili sauce into the skillet over low heat. Gently toss the crispy tofu pieces in the sauce, allowing them to absorb the flavors while maintaining their crunch.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and, if desired, toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the tofu at its crispiest.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu thoroughly is key to achieving maximum crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of chili paste according to your preferred spice level.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce if you want to make the recipe gluten-free.
- The dish is best served immediately to retain the crispy texture.
- For a nutty flavor and extra texture, add toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts as garnish.
Keywords: Chili tofu, crispy tofu, pan-fried tofu, spicy tofu, vegetarian tofu recipe
Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/chili-crispy-tofu-recipe/
