Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu Cubes
Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu Cubes
Ingredients
For the Tofu
- 1 block extra-firm tofu, 14 ounces, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable
For the Chili Garlic Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic, cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons water, or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, for slurry
For Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
Ensure your extra-firm tofu block is well-pressed to remove excess water. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
⏱️ 10 min
- 2
In a medium bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated.
⏱️ 2 min
- 3
Heat the neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cornstarch-coated tofu in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
⏱️ 7 min
- 4
While the tofu cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, maple syrup, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. In a separate tiny bowl, whisk 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth to create a slurry.
⏱️ 5 min
- 5
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the whisked sauce mixture into the same skillet (no need to clean it). Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
⏱️ 2 min
- 6
Once the sauce is simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while continuously stirring. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
Add the crispy tofu cubes back into the skillet with the thickened sauce. Gently toss until all the tofu is evenly coated.
⏱️ 2 min
- 8
Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa.
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu Cubes
Ingredients
For the Tofu
- 1 block extra-firm tofu, 14 ounces, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable
For the Chili Garlic Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic, cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons water, or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, for slurry
For Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
Ensure your extra-firm tofu block is well-pressed to remove excess water. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
⏱️ 10 min - 2
In a medium bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated.
⏱️ 2 min - 3
Heat the neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cornstarch-coated tofu in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
⏱️ 7 min - 4
While the tofu cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, maple syrup, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. In a separate tiny bowl, whisk 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth to create a slurry.
⏱️ 5 min - 5
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the whisked sauce mixture into the same skillet (no need to clean it). Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
⏱️ 2 min - 6
Once the sauce is simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while continuously stirring. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
Add the crispy tofu cubes back into the skillet with the thickened sauce. Gently toss until all the tofu is evenly coated.
⏱️ 2 min - 8
Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa.
⏱️ 1 min