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- 14 oz firm tofu - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 red bell pepper - 1 yellow bell pepper - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 cup snap peas - ¼ cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - Garlic and ginger - Green onions - Sesame seeds The main ingredients in this dish create a colorful and healthy meal. The firm tofu adds protein and a great texture. You will need 14 ounces of tofu. I recommend using extra-firm tofu. This helps achieve the perfect crispiness. Next, grab two tablespoons of vegetable oil. This oil works great for stir-frying. For the veggies, you will need one red and one yellow bell pepper. Their colors brighten up the dish. Add one cup of broccoli florets and one cup of snap peas. These veggies add crunch and nutrition. Now, let’s talk about the sauce. You need ¼ cup of sweet chili sauce. This gives a lovely sweet and spicy flavor. You will also need two tablespoons of soy sauce for saltiness. A tablespoon of rice vinegar adds a nice tang. Finally, don’t forget the garlic and ginger. They add a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor. For garnishes, you can use thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These not only add flavor but also make the dish look appealing. All these ingredients come together to create a delightful Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry. Enjoy the mix of flavors and colors! {{ingredient_image_2}} Pressing and cutting tofu Start by pressing the firm tofu to remove extra moisture. This step helps the tofu crisp up nicely. Slice the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Coating tofu with cornstarch In a bowl, toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch. Make sure each piece is coated well. The cornstarch gives the tofu a crispy texture when cooked. Heat and cook until crispy Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the cornstarch-coated tofu. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Transfer cooked tofu Once the tofu is crispy, transfer it to a plate. Set it aside while you cook the vegetables. Stir-frying bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas In the same skillet, add the other tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for about 5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp. Adding garlic and ginger Now, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir and cook for another minute. This will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma. Combining tofu and sauce Return the crispy tofu to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Adjusting seasoning Taste the stir fry and add salt and black pepper as needed. This will enhance all the flavors. Garnishing Remove the stir fry from heat. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds a nice touch to your dish. Enjoy your sweet chili garlic tofu stir fry! To get crispy tofu, start by pressing it. Place the tofu between two plates, with a weight on top. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps remove moisture. Less moisture means crispier tofu. Next, coat the tofu with cornstarch. Use about 2 tablespoons. Toss the tofu cubes gently in the bowl until each piece is covered. This coating helps create a crunchy texture when cooked. For a great stir-fry, use colorful and crisp vegetables. I love red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. They add both flavor and color to your dish. Cut your veggies into even pieces. Thin slices for bell peppers work well. Broccoli florets should be small, and snap peas can stay whole. This way, everything cooks evenly. Balancing flavors is key for the sauce. You want a mix of sweet, spicy, and savory. The sweet chili sauce gives sweetness, while soy sauce adds saltiness. Adjust to your taste. If you like heat, add more chili sauce or fresh chili. Start with a little, then try it. You can always add more spice but can’t take it away! Pro Tips Press Tofu Thoroughly: Ensure you press the tofu well to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture when frying. High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying at medium-high heat allows for quick cooking while retaining the vegetables' vibrant colors and crunch. Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to modify the amount of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or rice vinegar according to your taste preference for a balanced flavor. Serve Fresh: For the best experience, serve the stir fry immediately after cooking to enjoy the crispy tofu and fresh vegetables at their peak. {{image_4}} You can switch out tofu for other proteins. Tempeh is a great choice. It has a nutty flavor and gives a nice texture. If you prefer meat, chicken works well too. Just slice it thinly and cook until golden. Both options adapt nicely to the sweet chili sauce. Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies. Seasonal produce is perfect for this dish. Try zucchini in summer, or squash in fall. You can also add mushrooms for an earthy taste. Carrots add color and sweetness. The options are endless! Want more heat? Add chili flakes or sriracha. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like it hot. This step brings a fiery kick to the sweet and savory mix. Adjust the spice to fit your taste! To keep your sweet chili garlic tofu stir fry fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best for storage. They are safe for the fridge and help prevent spills. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to let the stir fry cool before sealing it. This helps avoid sogginess. When reheating, you want to keep the tofu crispy. For the best results, use a stovetop. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the stir fry and cook until warm. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. If you use a microwave, place a paper towel over the dish. This helps reduce moisture but may not keep the tofu crispy. If you want to freeze the stir fry, it’s easy! Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the stovetop method again for a crispy finish. Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. For the sweet chili sauce, check the label to ensure it is gluten-free. Cornstarch is also gluten-free, so you can use it as a coating for the tofu. Tofu can be bland on its own, but marinating helps a lot. Try marinating the tofu in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and depth. You can also add spices like smoked paprika or curry powder for extra flair. This stir fry pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or noodles for a filling meal. You can also add a side salad for a fresh crunch. If you like, try it with quinoa for a protein boost. Cooking tofu takes about 8-10 minutes for crispy texture. Make sure to cook it until golden brown on all sides. This gives the tofu a nice crunch. Timing may vary based on your heat level, so keep an eye on it! This post detailed how to make a tasty sweet chili garlic tofu stir fry. You began with firm tofu and fresh veggies, then added a flavorful sauce. I shared tips to achieve crispy tofu and suggested tasty variations. Remember, you can swap protein or vegetables to suit your taste. Cooking is about trying new things. With this recipe, you can enjoy a quick meal that's healthy and fun. Keep experimenting, and you'll find your perfect dish! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

A delicious and vibrant stir fry featuring crispy tofu, colorful vegetables, and a sweet chili garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 unit yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • to taste unit Salt and black pepper
  • 2 unit green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste unit Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the firm tofu to extract excess moisture, which helps in achieving a crispy texture. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  • Coat the Tofu: In a mixing bowl, gently toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch until each piece is well-coated. This coating will give the tofu a delightful crispiness when cooked.
  • Cook the Tofu: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes, cooking them until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, transfer the tofu to a plate and set aside.
  • Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Next, toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Stir-fry these vibrant vegetables for approximately 5 minutes or until they reach a tender-crisp texture.
  • Add Aromatics: Incorporate the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger into the skillet. Stir and cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, infusing the dish with a lovely aroma.
  • Combine Tofu and Sauce: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well to ensure the tofu and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Season the Dish: Taste the stir fry and season it with salt and black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove the stir fry from heat and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Notes

Serve with steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Keyword quick meal, stir fry, tofu, vegetarian