Crispy Chili Lime Tofu Avocado Slaw (Printable)
Crispy spiced tofu meets fresh avocado slaw for a vibrant 45-minute meal.
# List of ingredients:
→ Crispy Chili Lime Tofu
01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into ¾-inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 2 tbsp neutral oil (sunflower or canola)
04 - 1 tbsp chili powder
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1 tsp garlic powder
07 - ½ tsp ground cumin
08 - Zest and juice of 1 lime
09 - 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
10 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
11 - ½ tsp salt
→ Avocado Slaw
12 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
13 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
14 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
15 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
16 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Juice of 1 lime
18 - 1 tbsp olive oil
19 - ½ tsp salt
20 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Optional Garnishes
21 - Extra lime wedges
22 - Chopped cilantro
23 - Sliced red chili or jalapeño
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Place tofu cubes in a large bowl and toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, and salt.
04 - Add the seasoned sauce to the cornstarch-coated tofu and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
05 - Spread tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with neutral oil.
06 - Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until tofu is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
07 - While tofu bakes, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, and cilantro in a large bowl.
08 - In a small bowl, mash half the avocado with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
09 - Pour the avocado dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly. Gently fold in the remaining diced avocado.
10 - Divide avocado slaw among serving plates. Top generously with crispy chili lime tofu. Garnish with lime wedges, cilantro, or sliced chilies if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crispy exterior gives way to impossibly tender tofu inside, while that avocado slaw brings the kind of fresh creaminess that makes you forget youre eating something healthy
- Its the kind of meal that impresses dinner guests but only requires about 15 minutes of actual hands on time
02 -
- I learned the hard way that overcrowding the baking sheet results in steamed tofu instead of crispy perfection, so give those cubes room to breathe
- The slaw can sit in its dressing for hours, but dont fold in the diced avocado until youre ready to serve or it will start to brown and lose its appeal
03 -
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this completely gluten free without sacrificing any of that savory depth
- If you have an air fryer, those tofu cubes become impossibly crispy in about 15 minutes with a shake halfway through