Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 2 green onions, sliced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Tofu is the star here. It gives protein and absorbs flavors well. I prefer firm tofu. It holds its shape during cooking and gets crispy. Bell peppers add color and crunch. The red and yellow ones give a nice sweet taste. Snap peas are tender and sweet too. They make every bite fun. Sweet chili sauce brings a great kick. It combines sweetness with a bit of heat. Soy sauce or tamari adds saltiness that balances everything. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor that’s amazing with stir-fries. Garlic and ginger provide a fragrant base that makes the dish pop. - Soy Sauce or Tamari - Sesame Oil - Garlic and Ginger Use soy sauce or tamari based on your needs. Tamari is great for gluten-free diets. Both add rich umami to the dish. Sesame oil adds depth and a slight nuttiness. Garlic and ginger bring brightness and warmth. They make the dish aromatic and inviting. - Sesame Seeds - Green Onions - Fresh Cilantro Garnishes make everything better. Sesame seeds add crunch and a toasty flavor. Green onions give freshness and a slight bite. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish with its unique taste. These toppings make the stir fry look pretty and taste amazing! {{ingredient_image_1}} Draining and Pressing Tofu To start, take your block of firm tofu and drain it well. Press it gently to remove excess water. This step helps the tofu absorb flavors better. If you don’t press it, the tofu may end up soggy. Cutting Tofu into Cubes Next, cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Uniform sizes help the tofu cook evenly. This is key for that perfect, crispy texture. Coating with Cornstarch Place the tofu cubes in a bowl. Sprinkle them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. This creates a crispy crust when you fry it. Heating Oil in the Skillet Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding tofu. This will help in achieving a golden brown color. Frying the Tofu to Crispy Perfection Add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them golden and crispy. Once done, remove the tofu and set it aside. This step adds amazing texture to the dish. Adding Vegetables to the Skillet In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in your sliced red and yellow bell peppers, snap peas, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Timing for Vegetable Tenderness Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. This will give your dish great color and crunch. Returning Tofu to Combine Now, return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir gently to combine everything. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes, and you’re ready for a tasty meal! Choosing the Right Firmness When making this dish, use firm tofu. Firm tofu holds its shape well. It absorbs flavors nicely. Soft tofu can break apart too easily. Extra-firm tofu is also a good choice if you want more texture. Importance of Pressing Pressing tofu is key. It removes excess water and helps it crisp up. To press tofu, wrap it in a clean towel. Place a heavy object on top, like a skillet. Leave it for about 15 minutes. This step makes a big difference in texture. Adding More Sweetness or Heat You can customize the sweetness or heat. Add more sweet chili sauce for extra sweetness. For heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes. You can also add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Recommended Condiments Pair your stir fry with soy sauce or tamari. This adds depth and saltiness. For a unique twist, try hoisin sauce. It gives a sweet and savory flavor that’s delightful. Best Utensils for Stir-Frying Use a non-stick skillet or a wok for this recipe. A non-stick surface prevents sticking and burning. A wok allows for even cooking and high heat. If you have a wooden spatula, it’s great for flipping tofu and veggies. Skillet vs. Wok Both skillets and woks work well. A skillet is good for small batches. A wok is better for larger portions and quick cooking. If you stir-fry often, consider getting a wok. It’s worth the investment for perfect meals. Pro Tips Press the Tofu: For the best texture, make sure to press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, allowing it to absorb more flavors and become crispier when cooked. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have at home. Broccoli, carrots, and bok choy are great alternatives that also add more color and nutrition. Double the Sauce: If you love a saucier stir fry, consider doubling the sweet chili and soy sauce for a more flavorful dish. Just be sure to balance it with a bit of cornstarch to thicken if needed. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don't skip the sesame seeds and cilantro! They add a wonderful crunch and fresh flavor that elevates the dish significantly. {{image_2}} You can switch up the veggies in this stir fry. If you have broccoli or carrots, use them! They add crunch and color. You can also try mushrooms for a savory twist. Seasonal swaps can make this dish even better. In summer, zucchini or bell peppers shine. In fall, add squash or kale for a hearty taste. Tofu isn’t the only option here. You might want to try tempeh or seitan. Both bring great texture and flavor. If you like chickpeas, toss in some for protein. They soak up the sauce well. If you want a vegan option, stick with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. They all pair nicely with sweet chili sauce. Making your own sweet chili sauce is easy! Just mix sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes. This lets you control the heat and sweetness. For dietary needs, consider using low-sodium soy sauce. You can also swap honey for a vegan option. Adjust the sauce as you like, and make it your own! To store your Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry, first cool it to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This dish can last in the fridge for up to three days. For freezing, make sure it is fully cooled. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. Remember to label the container with the date. When reheating, I suggest using a skillet. Heat it over medium heat, then add a splash of water. This helps keep the tofu and veggies moist. Stir often for even heating. You can also use the microwave. Place your stir fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. To make meal prep easier, chop your veggies ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for quick use. You can also cube and coat the tofu with cornstarch a day in advance. For quick weeknight meals, cook a double batch. You can serve it over rice or noodles. This makes for fast meals that are healthy and delicious. Sweet chili sauce is a thick, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce. It often contains sugar, vinegar, and chili peppers. This sauce adds a nice balance of flavors to dishes. You can find it in most grocery stores. I love using it in stir-fries for a burst of flavor. Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce that works well in this recipe. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. To make your Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry spicier, add red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chilies. You can also use a hotter brand of sweet chili sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your taste buds. I like to start with a little and add more as needed. Pair your stir fry with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You can also serve it with noodles for a different twist. Fresh veggies or a simple salad make great sides too. This adds crunch and freshness to your meal. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. When reheating, use a skillet to maintain the texture. This helps the tofu stay crispy and the veggies stay tender. This blog covers how to make a tasty Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry. We explored main ingredients like tofu, bell peppers, and snap peas, and discussed key seasonings. Preparing tofu and stir-frying veggies was broken down into easy steps. I shared tips to enhance flavors and suggested variations to switch things up. Finally, we looked at storage and reheating methods for leftovers. Enjoy creating your own version of this dish! It’s fun, quick, and packed with flavor.$

Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry

A delicious and vibrant stir fry featuring crispy tofu and colorful vegetables, tossed in a sweet chili sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
1 unit yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup snap peas, trimmed
2 unit green onions, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Start by cutting the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
Place the tofu cubes in a bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch, tossing gently to coat evenly.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, snap peas, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir gently to combine and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if using.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Keyword stir fry, sweet chili, tofu, vegetarian