Sweet Chili Glazed Tofu

$- 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed - 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) - Cooked jasmine rice (for serving) To make sweet chili glazed tofu, you need just a few key ingredients. Firm tofu forms the base of this dish. It gives you a nice texture and holds up well during cooking. The sweet chili sauce adds that perfect touch of sweetness and heat. Soy sauce brings in a salty flavor, while sesame oil gives a rich, nutty taste. Rice vinegar adds acidity and balances the dish. Fresh ginger and garlic bring warmth and depth to the flavor profile. Cornstarch helps create a crispy coating on the tofu. For garnishing, I use green onions and sesame seeds. They add color and crunch. Serving the tofu over jasmine rice makes it a hearty meal. Each bite will be full of flavor and satisfaction. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, drain the tofu. Place it on a clean towel. - Press down gently to remove excess water. - Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with a paper towel. - In a large bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. - Next, add sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. - Whisk until all ingredients blend well together. - Add the tofu cubes to the marinade. Toss gently to coat all sides. - Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes. - After marinating, sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu. Toss again to coat evenly. - Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. - Add the marinated tofu in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. - Look for a golden brown and crispy texture. - Drizzle any remaining marinade into the skillet in the last minute. This will glaze the tofu. - Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the glazed tofu to a serving platter. To make your tofu crispy, start with firm tofu. Press it well to remove excess water. This helps it soak up the marinade and get that perfect crunch. After cutting your tofu into 1-inch cubes, pat them dry with a paper towel. This extra step reduces moisture and helps achieve crispiness. You can also try alternate cooking methods like baking or air frying. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated tofu on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you use an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for around 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Both methods yield crispy tofu with less oil. To boost flavor, consider adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. These can give your dish a nice kick. You can also mix in a splash of lime juice for brightness. For extra umami, try adding a few drops of fish sauce or a splash of hoisin sauce. Adjust the sweetness and heat levels by changing the amount of sweet chili sauce. If you prefer it less sweet, use less sweet chili sauce and add more soy sauce. For more heat, add fresh chopped chilies or a dash of chili flakes. These small tweaks can make a big difference in how your dish tastes. Pro Tips Press the Tofu: Ensure you press the tofu well to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture during cooking. Customize the Marinade: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce according to your taste. Adding more chili sauce can enhance the heat! Use a Non-Stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet will help prevent the tofu from sticking and make it easier to achieve that golden, crispy finish. Garnish for Flavor and Presentation: Don’t skip the garnishes! Chopped green onions and sesame seeds not only add flavor but also elevate the dish’s visual appeal. {{image_2}} You can add mushrooms to your sweet chili glazed tofu. Mushrooms give the dish a rich texture. Shiitake or button mushrooms work well. Slice the mushrooms and sauté them in the skillet first. Then, add the marinated tofu. This not only adds flavor but also makes the dish more filling. The mushrooms soak up the sweet chili sauce and enhance every bite. Want a balanced meal? Make a sweet chili tofu stir-fry! Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Stir-fry the veggies in the skillet before adding tofu. This gives color and crunch to the dish. Toss everything together at the end with the glaze. You get a tasty meal rich in nutrients. Feel free to swap the sweet chili sauce! Teriyaki sauce adds a savory twist. It has a thick, sweet flavor that pairs well with tofu. Chili garlic sauce brings heat to your dish. This sauce gives it a spicy kick. Try these sauces to discover new tastes. Each sauce gives a unique spin on the classic recipe. To store cooked tofu, first let it cool. Place the tofu in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh longer. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it's not sitting in sauce to avoid sogginess. If you have extra sauce, keep it in a separate container. To reheat your sweet chili glazed tofu, use a skillet. Heat it on medium until warm. This helps keep the tofu crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the tofu soft. If you must use a microwave, heat it for only a short time. Check every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can freeze sweet chili glazed tofu! First, let it cool completely. Cut it into pieces if you haven't already. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. It can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use extra-firm tofu. It holds shape well and cooks nicely. Soft tofu, however, is delicate. It can break apart easily during cooking. If you use soft tofu, be gentle when handling it. Adjust cooking times too. Extra-firm tofu takes about the same time as firm tofu. Soft tofu may need less time to cook since it heats quickly. Most sweet chili sauces are vegan-friendly. They typically contain sugar, chili peppers, vinegar, and garlic. Always check the label if you have concerns. Some brands may add fish sauce or other non-vegan ingredients. Look for sauces labeled as vegan to be safe. Making your own sauce is another great option. Sweet chili glazed tofu pairs well with several sides. Here are some great options: - Cooked jasmine rice - Steamed broccoli - Stir-fried vegetables - Quinoa - Salad with a light dressing These sides balance the flavors and create a complete meal. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite dishes! In this article, we explored how to make delicious sweet chili glazed tofu. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and clever tips for perfecting the dish. You learned how to adjust flavors and even create variations like stir-fries. Remember, cooking is fun, and experimenting makes it better. Enjoy your sweet chili glazed tofu and feel free to explore new ideas. This dish can be a tasty part of your meals, sharing flavor and joy with everyone. Enjoy the cooking journey!$

A delicious and crispy tofu dish glazed with sweet chili sauce, perfect for serving over jasmine rice.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
1 serving cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with a paper towel.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.
Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and gently toss to coat all sides. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
After marinating, sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss gently again to ensure the tofu is well coated. This step will help create a crispy texture.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
Drizzle any remaining marinade into the skillet during the last minute of cooking, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and glaze the tofu.
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the glazed tofu to a serving platter.

Notes

Serve warm over jasmine rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Keyword easy, glazed, sweet chili, tofu, vegan