Crispy Chili Lime Tofu (Printable)
Golden crispy tofu with zesty chili-lime glaze over fresh sesame cabbage slaw for a satisfying plant-based meal.
# List of ingredients:
→ Tofu
01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
02 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 2 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Chili Lime Sauce
05 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
06 - 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
07 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
08 - 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (such as sambal oelek)
09 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
10 - 1/2 tsp lime zest
11 - 1 clove garlic, minced
→ Sesame Cabbage Crunch
12 - 3 cups shredded green cabbage
13 - 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
14 - 1 large carrot, julienned
15 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced
16 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
17 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
18 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
19 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
20 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
21 - 1 tsp maple syrup
→ Garnish
22 - Extra lime wedges
23 - Additional sesame seeds
24 - Sliced red chili (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss tofu cubes with cornstarch and salt until evenly coated.
03 - Arrange tofu on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with oil. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
04 - While tofu bakes, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, lime zest, and minced garlic in a small bowl to make the chili lime sauce.
05 - In a large bowl, combine green and purple cabbage, carrot, green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
06 - In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and maple syrup. Pour over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
07 - Once tofu is crispy, transfer it to a large bowl and toss with the chili lime sauce until well coated.
08 - Serve the crispy chili lime tofu over the sesame cabbage crunch. Garnish with lime wedges, extra sesame seeds, and sliced red chili if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crispy tofu texture paired with the cool crisp slaw creates this incredible contrast that keeps every bite interesting
- It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant
- The chili lime sauce hits every flavor note spicy, tangy, slightly sweet, and totally addictive
02 -
- Pressing the tofu for at least 15 minutes makes the difference between soggy and spectacularly crispy results
- The sauce thickens quickly when it hits the hot tofu, so work fast to coat everything evenly
03 -
- Cut your tofu cubes slightly larger than you think you should, they shrink a bit as they crisp up
- Make the slaw first and let it sit while the tofu bakes, the flavors meld together beautifully