Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry

$- Firm tofu - Fresh vegetables To start, you'll need firm tofu. This type holds its shape well during cooking. You also want fresh vegetables for color and crunch. I love using red and yellow bell peppers, along with bright snap peas. These add a nice contrast to the tofu. - Sweet chili sauce - Soy sauce and sesame oil The magic of this dish lies in the sauces. Sweet chili sauce brings a perfect blend of sweetness and heat. Add soy sauce for a savory kick and sesame oil for a nutty finish. Together, they create a delicious sauce that coats the tofu and veggies. - Sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro Garnishes make your dish pop! Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a bit of crunch. Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor that enhances the overall taste. These simple touches make your Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry not just tasty but beautiful too. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. To start, you need to drain and press the tofu. First, take the block of firm tofu and remove it from the package. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy plate on top of it to press out the moisture. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This step helps the tofu absorb flavors and get crispy. Next, cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with one tablespoon of cornstarch. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch helps create a crispy crust when cooking. Now it's time to cook the tofu. Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook for about four to five minutes. Turn them occasionally until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. This is the key to getting that perfect texture. For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the skillet. If needed, cook the tofu in batches. Once done, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and the snap peas. Stir-fry them for about three to four minutes. You want them to be slightly tender while keeping their vibrant colors. Next, add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for one more minute until fragrant. This will add a lovely depth of flavor to your dish. Now, pour in the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Stir well to combine the sauces with the veggies. This is where the magic happens! Finally, return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat the tofu and vegetables in the sauce. Drizzle with sesame oil for added richness. Your Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry is almost ready! Enjoy it over fluffy rice for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get the best sweet and spicy mix, start with the right sauce. Sweet chili sauce brings a nice sweetness. You can taste it first to check if it’s too sweet for you. If it is, add more soy sauce. This adds a savory kick. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. This gives you a more complex flavor. If you want to control spice, keep hot sauce on the side. Each person can add what they like for their own taste. Using a good skillet or wok matters a lot. A non-stick skillet works well for crisping tofu. It helps prevent sticking. A wok is great for stir-frying, too. It heats evenly and lets you cook fast. Make sure you have a spatula that can handle high heat. A wooden or silicone spatula is best. This will help you stir without scratching your pan. Serve your sweet chili tofu stir fry over rice. White rice or brown rice works great. The rice soaks up the sauce well. You can also use quinoa for a twist. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a nice look. Add fresh cilantro if you want a pop of color and flavor. Pair this dish with a simple salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it with spring rolls for a fun combo. Check the Full Recipe for more ideas! {{image_2}} You can switch tofu for chicken or shrimp. This keeps the dish tasty but changes the feel. If you use chicken, cut it into small pieces. Cook it until golden before adding vegetables. For shrimp, just add it when the veggies are almost done. If you want a vegan option, try tempeh or seitan. Both add protein and flavor. Tempeh has a nutty taste, while seitan can mimic meat well. Just prepare them in the same way as tofu. Mix up your veggies based on the season. In spring, try asparagus or broccoli. In summer, add zucchini or corn. In fall, sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts are great. These options keep your stir fry fresh and fun. Adding more greens can boost the health of your meal. Spinach or kale works well. Toss them in just before serving. This keeps them vibrant and adds a nice crunch. If you like spice, add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce. This turns up the heat and adds depth. You can also mix in some lime juice for a zesty kick. For a low-sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. This keeps the flavor but cuts back on salt. You can also use homemade sweet chili sauce. It’s easy and much healthier. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To keep your Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. I recommend using glass containers, as they keep the flavors better. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the veggies may lose their crunch. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them carefully. Use a skillet over medium heat. This helps keep the tofu crispy. If you microwave, do it in short bursts. Stir in between to spread the heat. To avoid sogginess, add a splash of water to the pan. This will create steam and warm it evenly. You can freeze the cooked stir fry if you want to save some for later. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to a month. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a quick method, use the microwave on low. This helps keep the texture nice. Yes, you can use different types of tofu. Firm tofu is great for stir-frying. It holds its shape well. Extra-firm tofu is even denser. It has a chewier texture and can be crispier. If you prefer a softer bite, use soft or silken tofu. However, these types may fall apart in the stir-fry. Firm and extra-firm are best for this recipe. To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free version of soy sauce. You can also use coconut aminos as an alternative. It offers a similar taste with less salt. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. This stir-fry pairs well with many side dishes. You can serve it over fluffy white or brown rice. Quinoa or cauliflower rice works too. For a crunchy side, try cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. These sides balance the sweetness of the dish. To add heat, toss in red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers. Sriracha or chili paste can work too. Add these ingredients when stir-frying the vegetables. Start small, then taste and adjust the spice level to your liking. Enjoy the kick! In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry. We discussed the key ingredients like firm tofu and fresh vegetables. You learned step-by-step instructions, from preparing the tofu to mixing in your sauces. Plus, I shared tips for perfecting flavors and suggested easy variations. Tackle this recipe to enjoy tasty meals at home. With these tips and tricks, you'll impress everyone with your cooking skills. Enjoy the journey of creating a dish that combines flavor and health!$

Create a delightful dinner with this Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry that's bursting with flavor! This vibrant dish combines crispy tofu with colorful bell peppers and snap peas, all coated in a mouthwatering sweet chili sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is easy to follow and ready in just 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

1 block firm tofu, drained and pressed

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

1 cup snap peas, trimmed

3 green onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Sesame seeds for garnish

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel.

In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This will help them become crispy when cooked.

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still vibrant in color.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional minute until fragrant.

Pour the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce into the skillet, stirring well to combine with the veggies.

Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss everything together gently to coat the tofu and vegetables with the sauce. Drizzle with sesame oil.

Remove from heat, and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the stir fry over fluffy white or brown rice. For an added touch, place a few slices of extra bell pepper on top for color and drizzle more sweet chili sauce for a glossy finish.