Crispy Chili Garlic Tofu (Printable)
Crispy tofu in sweet-spicy chili garlic glaze with refreshing sesame cucumber salad on the side.
# List of ingredients:
→ Tofu
01 - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into ¾-inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
→ Chili Garlic Sauce
04 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
05 - 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (such as sambal oelek)
06 - 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave syrup
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
09 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
10 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
→ Sesame Cucumber Crunch
11 - 1 large English cucumber, sliced thinly
12 - 1 small carrot, julienned
13 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
14 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
15 - 1 tsp sesame oil
16 - ½ tsp salt
17 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
→ Garnishes
18 - 2 green onions, sliced
19 - Extra toasted sesame seeds
20 - 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
# Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, toss the cucumber and carrot with rice vinegar, sesame seeds, sesame oil, and salt. Let the mixture rest for at least 10 minutes to lightly pickle. Stir in fresh cilantro just before serving.
02 - Pat the tofu cubes thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl and toss with cornstarch until each cube is evenly coated.
03 - Heat neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the tofu to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, maple syrup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger until well combined.
05 - Return the same skillet to medium heat. Pour in the sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the crispy tofu back to the pan and toss continuously to coat evenly for about 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to each piece.
06 - Arrange the sesame cucumber crunch on plates or a serving platter. Top with the chili garlic tofu and garnish with sliced green onions, extra sesame seeds, and red chili slices if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast of shatteringly crisp tofu against a cool, sesame kissed cucumber salad is the kind of texture drama that makes you close your eyes at the dinner table.
- It comes together in under forty minutes, which means it beats delivery every single time.
02 -
- Do not rush the tofu drying step because wet tofu steams instead of fries, and you will end up with something rubbery rather than irresistible.
- The sauce thickens fast once it simmers, so have the tofu ready and nearby because thirty seconds of distraction can mean the difference between glossy and gummy.
03 -
- Press the tofu for at least twenty minutes under a heavy skillet weighted with cans, and you will be amazed at how much water comes out and how much crispier it gets.
- Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan right before using them because the difference between raw and freshly toasted is the difference between fine and unforgettable.