Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed - ¼ cup cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - ½ cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 2 green onions, chopped - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) If you want a different protein, you can use tempeh or seitan. Both options work well. For a lighter choice, try using cauliflower. It will soak up all those tasty flavors. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces. Choose firm tofu for the best texture. It holds up well during cooking. Pressing the tofu removes excess water. This helps it crisp up nicely. Sweet chili sauce is key for flavor. It brings a nice balance of sweet and spicy. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer less salt. Rice vinegar adds brightness to the dish. Ginger gives a fresh, zesty kick. Don’t skip the garnishes! Green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro add color and taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, drain and press your firm tofu. This helps remove extra water. Then, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Make sure the pieces are even. Next, take a medium bowl and add the cornstarch. Coat each tofu cube with cornstarch. This step is key for a crispy texture. Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry them until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. If your skillet is small, cook in batches. After frying, place the tofu on a plate lined with paper towels. This removes excess oil. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes. This thickens the sauce. Finally, return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the tofu with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. To get tofu that is nice and crispy, start with firm tofu. Press it well to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into even cubes, about one inch each. Coat the cubes with cornstarch, making sure every side is covered. This helps create that crunchy texture. When cooking, use a hot non-stick skillet. Heat the oil before adding the tofu. Cook in a single layer to allow even browning. Flip the tofu carefully, so it does not break apart. Cook each side for about three to four minutes until golden brown. Setting it on paper towels will soak up extra oil. Garlic adds a great flavor to this dish. When cooking garlic, chop it finely to release its oils. Sauté the garlic in a hot skillet but watch it closely. Garlic cooks fast and can burn easily. Stir it for about one minute until it smells amazing. Adding ginger boosts the flavor even more. Grate the ginger before adding it to the pan. It gives a nice zest and works well with the sweet chili sauce. You can easily change the taste of your sweet chili garlic tofu. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the amount of sweet chili sauce. To make it tangier, add a splash more rice vinegar. Taste the sauce as you mix. Adjust the flavors to your liking. This way, you create a dish that fits your taste perfectly. Pro Tips Press Tofu Well: Ensure you press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, allowing for better absorption of flavors and a crispier texture. Use High Heat: Cooking the tofu on medium-high heat helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the tofu for the best results. Customize Sauce Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of your sweet chili sauce by adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of sugar, depending on your taste preference. Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or mint just before serving enhances the dish's flavor and adds a pop of color to your final presentation. {{image_2}} To make your tofu spicy, simply add chili paste or red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This brings a nice kick to the sweet sauce. You can even mix in some sriracha for a fun twist. Pairing heat with sweetness makes each bite exciting. You can boost flavor and nutrition by adding vegetables. Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli work well. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and sauté them with the garlic and ginger. They add crunch and color to your dish. Plus, the veggies soak up the tasty sauce, making every bite a delight. This recipe is already vegan, but you can switch up the sauce. Try using tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. You can also add some maple syrup for extra sweetness if you like. Serve with rice or quinoa to make it a full meal. These small changes can keep the dish fresh and exciting. After your meal, let the tofu cool down. Place the leftover tofu in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store the sauce separately to keep the tofu crisp. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of oil to the pan. Once hot, add the tofu and cook for about 3–5 minutes. This method helps the tofu regain its crispness. You can also microwave it for 1–2 minutes, but the texture may change. You can freeze the tofu if you have leftovers. Cut the tofu into cubes and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed. You can serve Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu with many sides. Rice is a great choice. White rice or brown rice works well. You might try quinoa for a healthy twist. Stir-fried vegetables also pair nicely. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas add color and crunch. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. A simple green salad balances the dish. Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This swap keeps the flavor but avoids gluten. Make sure your sweet chili sauce is also gluten-free. Check the label for any hidden gluten. Rice vinegar is gluten-free, so it’s safe to use. Making homemade sweet chili sauce is simple and fun. You need a few basic ingredients. Combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and ½ cup of rice vinegar in a pot. Add 2 tablespoons of chili flakes, 1 tablespoon of garlic, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mix to a boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens. Cool it down and store in a jar. Enjoy your homemade sauce with the tofu! This post covered all you need to know about Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu. We discussed key ingredients, cooking methods, and helpful tips for the perfect dish. Remember, tofu is flexible; feel free to try different flavors and mix in veggies. Store your leftovers properly for later enjoyment. You can serve this tasty dish in many ways. With what you learned, I'm sure you'll impress anyone at your table. Happy cooking!$

A delicious and crispy tofu dish coated in a sweet and spicy chili garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
0.25 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
2 green onions chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Begin by cutting the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
In a medium bowl, coat the tofu cubes evenly with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is well covered.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer (you may need to fry in batches) and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove tofu from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, mixing well. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Return the crisp tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat the tofu cubes with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the tofu absorbs the flavors.
Once heated through, remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top.
Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

Serve hot for the best flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness.

Keyword garlic, sweet chili, tofu, vegetarian