Description
Spicy crispy chili crunch tofu delivers a bold Asian-inspired flavor profile that balances heat and texture. Crunchy panko coating and zesty chili sauce create an irresistible dish for those seeking adventurous protein options you’ll devour with enthusiasm.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 14 ounces (397 grams) extra-firm tofu, drained
Dry Coating:
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Cooking Oils:
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like sunflower oil)
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chili crunch/crisp
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Thoroughly extract moisture from tofu by wrapping in absorbent towels and placing heavy cookware on top for 30 minutes, allowing excess liquid to drain completely.
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together chili crunch, sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, minced ginger, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Transform drained tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring each piece is meticulously patted dry before delicately coating with cornstarch for maximum crispiness.
- Ignite a skillet with medium-high heat and introduce cooking oil. Carefully position tofu cubes, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior without movement for 5-6 minutes, then expertly flip and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes.
- Execute a final crisping technique by continuously tumbling tofu in the pan for approximately 1 minute, guaranteeing an even, crunchy texture.
- Gently immerse the perfectly crisp tofu into the prepared sauce, ensuring each cube is luxuriously coated with the complex flavor profile.
- Immediately transfer to serving dish, garnishing with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a visually appealing and flavor-enhanced presentation.
Notes
- Maximize tofu’s crispiness by thoroughly pressing out moisture, ensuring a crunchy exterior that absorbs sauce perfectly.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili crunch quantity, catering to different spice tolerances without compromising flavor profile.
- Experiment with cornstarch alternatives like potato starch or arrowroot for gluten-free options that maintain the same golden, crispy texture.
- Use extra-firm tofu for best results, as it holds shape better during high-heat cooking and creates more satisfying bite-sized pieces.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg