Quick Thai Chili Tofu is a flavorful, plant-based dish that combines crispy tofu with a spicy, sweet, and savory Thai-style chili sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve it over jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili (or chili flakes, to taste), finely chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce (optional, for non-vegan/vegetarian)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup water (or vegetable broth)
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Serves: 2-3 people
Instructions:
- Prepare the tofu:
- Pat the tofu dry and cut it into cubes. Toss the cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Fry the tofu:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until golden and crispy on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and chili until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, fish sauce (if using), lime juice, and brown sugar. Stir well.
- Simmer the sauce:
- Add water or vegetable broth to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine the tofu and sauce:
- Add the crispy tofu back to the skillet, tossing gently to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 3 servings):
- Calories: 220-250 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the tofu and sauces used.
Ratings:
- Taste: ★★★★★ (5/5)
- Ease of Preparation: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
- Healthiness: ★★★★★ (5/5)
- Spice Level: Medium (adjust chili to taste)