Description
Spicy Crispy Tofu delivers a flavor explosion that dances between heat and crunch, bringing bold Asian-inspired tastes to your plate. Crispy exterior and tender interior make this dish an irresistible plant-based delight you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsps cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp sesame oil or neutral oil
- 2 tbsps soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Green onions, sliced (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Tofu Preparation: Thoroughly drain and compress tofu to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring crisp exterior by cutting into uniform bite-sized cubes.
- Seasoning Stage: Meticulously coat tofu cubes with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and cornstarch, creating a uniform and flavorful outer layer that will crisp beautifully during cooking.
- Searing Process: Utilize a non-stick skillet heated to medium-high temperature, introducing a light oil coating and cooking tofu until each side transforms into a golden, crunchy exterior – approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Sauce Creation: Develop a vibrant sauce in the identical pan by combining sauce ingredients, bringing to a gentle simmer and incorporating cornstarch slurry to achieve desired thickness and glossy consistency.
- Final Integration: Carefully reintroduce crispy tofu into the spicy sauce, gently rotating to ensure complete and even coverage, maximizing flavor absorption.
- Presentation: Elevate the dish with elegant garnishes like finely chopped green onions, delicate sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes, serving immediately over steamed rice, tender noodles, or fresh lettuce wraps.
Notes
- Press tofu thoroughly to remove water, ensuring maximum crispiness and better sauce absorption.
- Evenly coat tofu cubes with cornstarch for an ultra-crispy exterior that locks in flavor and creates a golden-brown crust.
- Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve perfect crispy texture without burning the tofu.
- Add cornstarch slurry gradually and stir constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg