Crispy Chili Garlic Tofu (Printable)
Spicy crispy tofu glazed with chili-garlic sauce, served over a fresh sesame snap pea salad.
# List of ingredients:
→ For the Crispy Tofu
01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
02 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 1/2 tsp salt
04 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
→ For the Chili Garlic Sauce
05 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
06 - 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
07 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave
08 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 tbsp water
11 - 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
→ For the Sesame Snap Pea Crunch
12 - 7 oz snap peas, trimmed and halved
13 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
14 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
15 - 1 tsp sesame oil
16 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Garnish
17 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
18 - 1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced
19 - Extra sesame seeds
# Steps:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch and salt until evenly coated. Arrange on the baking sheet and drizzle with vegetable oil.
03 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy.
04 - While the tofu bakes, whisk together the soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, water, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
05 - Combine the snap peas, bell pepper, toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, and salt in a medium bowl. Toss well to coat.
06 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the baked tofu and pour in the sauce. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the tofu is glazed and the sauce has thickened.
07 - Plate the glazed tofu over the sesame snap pea crunch. Garnish with scallions, fresh chili, and extra sesame seeds.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between the hot, sticky tofu and the cold, crisp snap peas is absolutely addictive.
- You get that deep fried flavor without the mess of dealing with a pot of hot oil.
02 -
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet or the tofu will steam instead of roast, resulting in chewy rather than crispy cubes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat the second the sauce thickens to the consistency of honey to prevent the sugars from burning.
03 -
- If you have an air fryer, use it to cook the tofu at 200C (400F) for about 15 minutes for an even crunchier result.
- Double the sauce recipe if you like your tofu heavily glazed or plan to serve it over rice.