Crispy Chili Lime Tofu Avocado Slaw (Printable)
Crispy tofu with zesty chili-lime glaze over refreshing avocado sesame slaw
# List of ingredients:
→ Crispy Chili Lime Tofu
01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
02 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
04 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
05 - 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
06 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave
07 - 1 1/2 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha
08 - 1 tsp lime zest
09 - 1 clove garlic, minced
→ Avocado Sesame Slaw
10 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
11 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
12 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
13 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
14 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
15 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
16 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Sesame Dressing
17 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
18 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
19 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
20 - 1 tsp maple syrup or agave
21 - 1/2 tsp grated ginger
22 - Pinch of salt and pepper
# Steps:
01 - Pat tofu completely dry and cut into bite-size cubes. Toss cubes with cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated on all sides.
02 - Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu and fry for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
03 - Whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, chili garlic sauce, lime zest, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Pour over crispy tofu and toss to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes tofu evenly. Remove from heat.
04 - Combine green and red cabbage, carrot, green onions, avocado, sesame seeds, and cilantro in a large bowl.
05 - Whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, ginger, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until fully emulsified.
06 - Pour dressing over slaw and toss gently to combine without mashing avocado. Divide slaw among plates and top with hot chili lime tofu. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and cilantro if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between hot crispy tofu and cool creamy slaw is the kind of balance that makes you want to eat slowly and savor every bite
- You get all those bold flavors sweet, tangy, spicy without any meat, and honestly nobody misses it
02 -
- Dont crowd the pan when frying tofu or it'll steam instead of crisp, and nobody wants sad soggy cubes
- Add the glaze at the very end off the heat if it's looking too thick, because it keeps cooking and tightening up
03 -
- Press your tofu while you prep the vegetables, and you'll save so much time without sacrificing texture
- Toast extra sesame seeds in a dry pan and keep them in a jar for when you want that nutty finish on everything