Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry

$- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 1 carrot, julienned - 3 green onions, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) This Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry is a fun dish to make. You get a great mix of colors and flavors in every bite. The firm tofu makes it filling, while the veggies add crunch and color. Pressing the tofu helps it soak up the sweet chili sauce. You can find the full recipe if you want to see how it all comes together. The sweetness from the chili sauce pairs nicely with the fresh veggies. Don't forget the garlic and ginger; they add depth to the dish. Using sesame oil at the end gives it a rich taste. You can customize this dish with your favorite veggies, but these ingredients work perfectly together. - Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess water. - Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Uniform sizes help it cook evenly. - Coat the tofu with cornstarch. This gives it a nice crispy texture when cooked. - Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer when hot. - Pan-fry the tofu until golden brown. This takes about 4-5 minutes. Turn it occasionally for even cooking. - Stir-fry the vegetables until tender-crisp. This should take about 3-4 minutes. You want them colorful and slightly crunchy. - Add garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir for about a minute until fragrant. This step adds a warm flavor. - Return the tofu to the skillet with sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Toss everything together to coat. - Drizzle with sesame oil for extra flavor. Mix everything well to combine the tastes. Now you have a tasty Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry! For detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures in this dish! - Use firm tofu for the best texture in this stir fry. - To get a crispy exterior, press the tofu for at least 30 minutes. After pressing, cut it into 1-inch cubes and coat them in cornstarch. This coating helps create a crunchy bite. - Cook the tofu at medium-high heat. This temperature allows it to brown evenly without burning. - For added flavor, consider using bell peppers in different colors. You can also add mushrooms or broccoli for variety. - Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. If you like more spice, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. If you prefer sweetness, increase the amount of sweet chili sauce. - Balance the sweetness and spice by adding a splash of lime juice. This adds freshness and cuts through the sweetness nicely. Follow these tips to make your Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry even more delicious. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps and measurements! {{image_2}} You can switch tofu with tempeh for a nutty flavor. Tempeh has a firmer texture and absorbs sauces well. If you want a meat option, use chicken or shrimp. Cut the chicken into small pieces. Cook it until it's golden and cooked through. Shrimp cooks quickly, usually in just a few minutes. You might also try plant-based chicken alternatives. These mimic the texture and taste of meat. They work great in stir fries and are often easier to find. Feel free to mix in other veggies. Broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers add great color and taste. Try seasonal variations to keep it fresh. In summer, add corn or cherry tomatoes. In the fall, use squash or Brussels sprouts. Adding more greens boosts nutrition and flavor. Spinach, bok choy, or kale can mix in easily. Toss them in at the end to keep them vibrant and crunchy. For the full recipe, check out the Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry . To keep your Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. Make sure it cools before sealing. Leftovers will taste best within three days. Yes, you can freeze Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some space for expansion. It will last for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to help it steam. Stir until heated through. You’ll enjoy a tasty meal even after freezing! What is the best way to press tofu? To press tofu, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top, like a cast iron skillet. Leave it for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture and makes it firmer. Can I make Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry ahead of time? You can prepare the tofu and veggies in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. Wait to cook until you're ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. How can I make it spicy? Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of red pepper flakes. You can also use a spicier sweet chili sauce. Adjust the heat to your liking for a kick. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce. Always check labels to ensure no gluten ingredients are present. Suggestions for a low-carb version Swap out the carrots for zucchini noodles. You can also use more low-carb veggies like bell peppers and broccoli. These changes keep the dish light and fresh. Vegan-friendly ingredients to consider All the ingredients in this recipe are vegan. Use firm tofu, fresh veggies, and plant-based sauces. This dish is perfect for vegan diets. Can I bake the tofu instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the tofu for a healthier option. Toss the cubes in cornstarch and oil, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes. Flip halfway through for even crispiness. How to achieve a one-pan version of this recipe Start by cooking the tofu first, then add veggies to the same pan. This keeps flavors rich and saves on clean-up. Ensure to stir often for even cooking. Tips for perfecting the stir-frying technique Use high heat and a good wok or skillet. Cut veggies into similar sizes for even cooking. Keep stirring to avoid burning and to mix flavors well. In summary, we've explored the tasty world of Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry. You learned about essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and ways to elevate your dish. Consider swapping proteins or veggies for fun variations. Remember to store leftovers correctly and enjoy them later. This dish is simple, healthy, and perfect for any meal. You can make it your own while following the guidance here. Try it out and make your cooking experience enjoyable and rewarding!$

Savor the vibrant flavors of Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry with this easy recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish features crispy tofu, colorful veggies like bell peppers and snap peas, all tossed in a delicious sweet chili sauce. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s not only healthy but also packed with flavor. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!

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Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 bell pepper (any color), sliced

1 cup snap peas, trimmed

1 carrot, julienned

3 green onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Sesame seeds for garnish

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Begin by pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut it into 1-inch cubes.

In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated, allowing it to create a crispy outer layer when cooked.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu and pan-fry for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they become tender-crisp.

Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for an additional minute until fragrant.

Return the tofu to the skillet and pour in the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce, tossing everything together until well-coated and heated through.

Drizzle with sesame oil and give it one last good toss to combine all flavors.

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and optionally fresh cilantro.

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