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- Firm Tofu (1 block, drained and pressed) - Vegetables (1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup snap peas) - Aromatics (2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced) - Sweet Chili Sauce (1/4 cup) - Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons) - Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon) - Green Onions (for garnish) - Sesame Seeds (for garnish) For this sweet chili tofu stir-fry, you need fresh and bright ingredients. Start with firm tofu. It holds its shape well and soaks up flavors. Make sure to drain and press it. This helps keep the tofu crispy. Next, add vibrant vegetables. I love using red and yellow bell peppers for color. Snap peas give a nice crunch. They cook quickly and stay crisp. Don't forget the aromatics! Garlic and ginger add a strong flavor. They make the dish aromatic and delicious. Now, let’s talk sauces. Sweet chili sauce gives a sweet and spicy kick. Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth. A little sesame oil at the end brings a nutty aroma. Lastly, garnishes are key. Chopped green onions add freshness. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch and beauty. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to make a colorful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, cut the block of firm tofu into 1-inch cubes. Make sure to drain and press it well. This helps remove extra water. Pressing is key for crispy tofu. After cutting, toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch until they are evenly coated. The cornstarch adds a nice crunch when cooked. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated tofu cubes. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes. You want them golden and crispy on all sides. This step is important for texture. When done, remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with snap peas. Stir-fry these veggies for 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften just a bit. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! Now it’s time to bring it all together. Return the crispy tofu to the pan. Pour in 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Toss everything to coat well in the sauce. After that, drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the stir-fry. Toss again for about a minute to heat through. Finally, remove from heat and enjoy the vibrant mix! To make your tofu crispy, start by draining and pressing it. This step removes extra water. You want your tofu dry for the best texture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Toss these cubes in cornstarch. This coating helps them become golden and crisp when cooked. To boost flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper for heat. When cooking the veggies, use high heat. This helps keep them crisp and vibrant. Stir-frying quickly locks in flavors and nutrients. Serve your stir-fry with jasmine rice or quinoa for a filling meal. For a lovely look, arrange the stir-fry in a bowl. Top it with green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and crunch, making your dish appealing. Pro Tips Press Tofu Well: Ensure you press the tofu adequately to remove excess moisture, which will help it achieve a crispier texture when cooked. Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to sear the ingredients quickly, locking in flavors and maintaining their vibrant colors. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the bell peppers and snap peas for your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, based on what you have on hand. Make It Spicy: If you love heat, consider adding sliced fresh chili or a dash of sriracha to the stir-fry for an extra kick! {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the protein, try using chicken or shrimp. Both add great flavor. For a vegetarian option, you can use tempeh or seitan. They both absorb sauces well and add a hearty texture. You can add other veggies to your stir-fry. Broccoli and carrots are excellent choices. They both add crunch and color. Seasonal veggies like zucchini or asparagus can also work well. Feel free to use what you have on hand. Want more heat? Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. You can also make a homemade sweet chili sauce. Mix sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes for a quick version. Adjust the sweetness to your taste. To store leftovers, let the stir-fry cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste may fade. The best way to reheat stir-fry is on the stove. Just place it in a pan over medium heat. Stir it often to keep it from burning. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep the texture as nice. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Yes, you can freeze Sweet Chili Tofu Stir-Fry. To do this, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as you can. It can stay good in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Making Sweet Chili Tofu Stir-Fry takes about 30 minutes. You need about 15 minutes to prep. Cooking the dish takes around 15 minutes. Yes, you can make this stir-fry ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready, just reheat in a pan. This saves time on busy days. Firm tofu is best for stir-fry. It holds its shape well during cooking. Soft tofu can break apart easily. For this recipe, use one block of firm tofu. It gives a nice texture and absorbs flavors well. You now have a complete guide to making Sweet Chili Tofu Stir-Fry. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. Remember, firm tofu offers the best texture and flavors shine through with fresh veggies and sauces. Feel free to mix and match proteins and veggies to suit your taste. With these storage tips, you can enjoy your stir-fry later. Cooking can be fun and easy when you follow these steps. So, grab your pan and get started!

Sweet Chili Tofu Stir-Fry

A colorful and flavorful stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and vibrant vegetables, tossed in a sweet chili sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 unit yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 quarter cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 unit green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 unit sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss them in cornstarch until evenly coated.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add the tofu cubes to the hot oil, cooking until golden and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Add the minced garlic and ginger to the veggies, stir-frying for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Return the crispy tofu to the pan, adding sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Toss everything to coat well in the sauce.
  • Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry; toss again for a minute to heat through.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve the stir-fry in a bowl or on a plate, and consider adding a side of jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy your colorful dish!
Keyword quick meal, stir fry, tofu, vegetarian