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- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 cup snap peas - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) To make a great Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry, you need fresh and vibrant ingredients. Start with firm tofu. This gives the dish a nice base. Press it well to remove excess water. This step is key for crispy tofu. Next, gather colorful veggies. Red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness. Broccoli brings a nice crunch. Snap peas add a touch of freshness, and garlic and ginger give a lovely aroma. The sauces are vital. Sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and a bit of heat. Soy sauce gives it depth. Rice vinegar adds a nice tang. This mix makes the dish vibrant and full of flavor. You’ll also need a few seasonings. Salt and pepper will enhance all the flavors. Finally, use green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. They will make your dish pop with color and texture. - Calories: Approximately 300 per serving - Protein: 15g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fats: 15g - Dietary Fiber: 5g This dish is not just delicious; it's also nutritious. It packs a good amount of protein from tofu. Plus, the veggies provide vitamins and minerals. You can enjoy this meal guilt-free while savoring every bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to press the tofu. This takes away excess water. Use a clean towel to wrap the tofu. Place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Next, take a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch. Make sure they are coated well. This will help make the tofu crispy when cooked. Now, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated tofu cubes. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes. You want them to be golden brown on all sides. When done, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Next, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Stir-fry these for about 5 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender yet still crisp. Then, add 4 minced cloves of garlic and 1 inch of grated ginger. Stir and cook for 1 more minute. This will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Now it's time to bring everything together. Return your crispy tofu to the skillet. Pour in 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Stir well to mix everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will help the flavors blend and coat the tofu and veggies evenly. Taste your dish and add salt and pepper as needed. Once it’s ready, you can plate it up. Enjoy your delicious Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry! To get crispy tofu, start by pressing it. Pressing removes extra moisture. This step is key. If you skip it, your tofu will be soggy. Cut the pressed tofu into cubes. Next, coat the cubes with cornstarch. This gives them a nice crunch when frying. Heat oil in your skillet. The right oil temperature is vital. If it's too low, the tofu won't crisp. If it’s too high, it will burn. Aim for medium-high heat for best results. Fry the tofu until it gets golden brown on all sides. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. To make the stir fry pop, balance the flavors. You want a sweet, spicy, and garlicky mix. Start with the sweet chili sauce. You can add more or less based on your taste. If you like it spicy, add more chili sauce or fresh peppers. Adjust the salty flavor with soy sauce. A little rice vinegar adds a nice tang. Taste as you go. This will help you find the right balance. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper too. Stir-frying is all about speed and high heat. Use a large skillet or wok. This gives you more room to move the ingredients around. Make sure everything sizzles when it hits the pan. This keeps the veggies crisp and bright. Cook the veggies for just a few minutes. You want them tender but still crunchy. Stir in the garlic and ginger last. This keeps their flavor strong and fresh. Heat everything through before serving. This ensures a delicious and vibrant dish. Pro Tips Press the Tofu: Make sure to press the tofu for at least 15-30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This prevents it from becoming soggy and helps achieve a crispy texture when cooked. Cornstarch Coating: Coating the tofu in cornstarch not only adds crispiness but also helps the sauce adhere better. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for the best results. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose to maintain their crunch. Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve the stir fry over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra heat! {{image_2}} If you want to change up the protein, you have options. You can use tempeh, seitan, or even chickpeas. Tempeh has a nutty flavor and is packed with protein. Seitan, made from wheat, has a chewy texture. Chickpeas give a nice bite and blend well with the stir fry. Each option brings its own taste and texture to the dish. You can add more veggies for color and taste. Carrots add sweetness and crunch. Sliced zucchini cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Mushrooms provide a savory umami taste. Mixing in these vegetables enhances the dish and makes it more nutritious. Feel free to get creative and use what you love! You can customize the sauce for your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more sweet chili sauce. For a tangy kick, a splash of lime juice works great. Want more heat? Toss in chili flakes or fresh peppers. Adjusting these flavors makes the stir fry unique to you. Play around until it’s just right! To keep your Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the stir fry cool down before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Store the container in your fridge. Your leftovers should last about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Divide the stir fry into smaller portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers for this. Label them with the date for easy tracking. When reheating stir-fry, use a skillet or wok. This method keeps the texture and flavor intact. Heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. Stir often until hot. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Place the stir fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or a plate to trap steam. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check and stir in between to ensure even warming. This way, you keep the tasty crispiness of the tofu and veggies. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Make sure your sweet chili sauce is also gluten-free. You can find many brands that offer gluten-free options. Always check the labels to be sure. To get crispy tofu, start by pressing it well. This removes excess water. Cut the tofu into small cubes and coat them with cornstarch. This step is key for crunch. Heat your oil until it's hot before adding the tofu. Cook it until golden brown on all sides. This takes about 8-10 minutes. This stir fry pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with a side salad for a fresh touch. If you like, add some spring rolls or dumplings for more flavor. Enjoy your meal with a light drink like green tea or lemonade. This recipe gives you a tasty and healthy dish using simple ingredients. You learned how to make crispy tofu and stir-fried vegetables with a sweet and spicy sauce. Remember to press the tofu and heat the oil right for the best texture. Feel free to swap tofu for other proteins or add your favorite veggies. With proper storage and reheating, leftovers can be just as good. Enjoy this easy meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition!

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
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 unit yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 unit green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  • In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help create a crispy texture when cooked.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove the tofu and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas; stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the tofu and vegetables.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve the stir fry in individual bowls, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few slices of green onion on top for a fresh touch. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Keyword garlic, stir fry, sweet chili, tofu, vegetarian