Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry

$- Tofu and accompaniments - 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - Fresh vegetables - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved - 2 green onions, chopped finely - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - Sauces and oils - 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Garnishes - Sesame seeds, for garnish - Fresh cilantro, for garnish Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry is a vibrant dish. The tofu offers a great base, while fresh veggies add crunch. The sweet chili sauce gives a nice kick. This dish is simple yet flavorful. Each ingredient plays a key role. You can customize it to your liking. The tofu is the star here. Pressing it helps remove extra water. This keeps it firm and crispy. Coating it in cornstarch makes it even crunchier. Fresh vegetables add color and nutrients. Bell peppers and snap peas are perfect choices. The sauces bring the dish together. Sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and heat. Soy sauce gives it a savory touch. Drizzling sesame oil at the end adds richness. Finally, garnishing with sesame seeds and cilantro makes it look pretty and fresh. You can find the full recipe above. Enjoy cooking! To start, you need to press the tofu. Pressing removes excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean towel. Place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the tofu get firm. It crisps up better when cooked. Next, cube and coat the tofu. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over them. Toss gently until all sides are coated. This coating gives a crispy texture when cooked. Now, it’s time to cook the tofu. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. Turn them occasionally for even cooking. You want them golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Also, add the snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender-crisp. This keeps their bright color and crunch. Now, add aromatics for flavor. Toss in minced garlic and ginger. Stir quickly for another minute. This step adds a wonderful aroma and taste to your dish. It’s time to mix everything together. Return the cooked tofu to the skillet. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Stir gently until everything is coated. Make sure the tofu and veggies are evenly mixed. Heat everything through for a minute or two. For the final touch, drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry. Mix thoroughly to combine the flavors. Cook for 1-2 more minutes. This ensures everything is hot and well-coated. Now, it’s time to garnish and serve. Remove the stir-fry from heat. Add chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro on top. For a beautiful presentation, serve over jasmine rice or quinoa. Don’t forget to check the Full Recipe for more details! Pressing tofu is key to getting the right texture. It removes extra moisture, which helps your tofu get crispy. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes. This step is important for the best results. For crispy tofu, coat it well with cornstarch. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes in a bowl with the cornstarch. Make sure every side is covered. This will help them crisp up when you fry them. Garlic and ginger add great flavor. Use three cloves of garlic and one tablespoon of fresh ginger. This ratio gives a nice balance. Mince them finely for a stronger taste. When stir-frying, heat your oil well before adding ingredients. This helps to sear the tofu and veggies quickly. Stir-fry on high heat for the best texture. Keep the veggies crunchy by not cooking them too long. Serve your Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry with rice or noodles. White rice or jasmine rice works well. For a healthier option, try quinoa. Garnish your dish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. This adds color and makes it look delicious. For an extra touch, drizzle some sesame oil over the top before serving. It enhances the aroma and flavor. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_4}} You can change up the veggies in this stir fry. Here are some ideas: - Broccoli florets - Carrots, sliced thin - Zucchini, cut into half-moons - Mushrooms, sliced - Bell peppers in different colors When seasons change, try using fresh, local vegetables. For example, in the summer, you can use fresh corn or green beans. In the fall, try adding butternut squash or kale to the mix. These swaps keep the dish fresh and fun. If you want more protein, there are great options. You can add: - Chicken breast, cut into strips - Shrimp, peeled and deveined - Tempeh, cubed like tofu - Seitan, for a chewy texture When cooking these proteins, remember to adjust cooking times. Chicken and shrimp cook fast, while tempeh may need a bit longer. Always make sure your protein reaches a safe internal temperature. You can make the sauce your own. Here’s how: - Add more sweet chili sauce for sweetness. - Mix in soy sauce for more saltiness. - Toss in sriracha for heat. If you like it sweet, add a bit of honey or maple syrup. For a tangy twist, try adding lime juice. Customizing your sauce makes the dish unique every time you make it. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! To store leftovers, let the stir-fry cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents spoilage. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to reheat only what you plan to eat, as repeated heating can change the texture. If you want to freeze the stir-fry, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space for expansion. This dish can stay fresh in the freezer for about one month. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can then heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir gently to avoid breaking the tofu. Enjoy it hot, just like when you first made it! You can save time by prepping ingredients first. Cut your tofu and veggies in advance. Use a sharp knife for fast, clean cuts. Have all your sauces ready to go. Cooking in a hot skillet helps everything cook evenly and quickly. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Both options offer a similar taste without gluten. Be sure to check labels for hidden gluten in sauces. This stir fry pairs well with several sides. Serve it over jasmine rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. You can also try it with rice noodles. For an extra crunch, add a side of fresh cucumber salad. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. This method keeps the tofu crispy. You can add a splash of water to steam veggies back to life. For the best taste, enjoy the stir fry warm. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. In this post, we covered how to make Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry. We explored ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips for tasty results. You learned about perfecting the tofu texture, suitable vegetable swaps, and sauce customizations. Finally, we provided storage advice to keep leftovers fresh. Cooking does not have to be hard. Now, you can create a delicious meal with ease! Enjoy your stir fry adventure!$

Looking for a delicious and quick meal? Try this Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry! Packed with colorful veggies and crispy tofu, this dish is not only easy to make but bursting with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a vibrant dish in 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner! Click through to explore the recipe and get cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!

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Ingredients

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved

2 green onions, chopped finely

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

1/3 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu: Start by removing excess moisture from the tofu. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to press out the water. This step will help the tofu achieve a firmer texture and crisp up better when cooked.

Cube and Coat the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a mixing bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over them. Gently toss until the tofu is well-coated with cornstarch, ensuring that all sides are covered for optimal crispiness.

Cook the Tofu: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer and allow them to cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once done, remove the tofu from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes or until they are tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant color and crunch.

Add Aromatics: Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for another minute until fragrant. This will enhance the dish with a delightful aroma and flavor.

Combine Tofu and Sauce: Return the cooked tofu to the skillet and pour in the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Stir everything together gently until the tofu and vegetables are fully coated in the sauce.

Finish with Flavor: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and mix thoroughly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated through and coated with the flavorful sauce.

Garnish and Serve: Remove the stir-fry from heat. Garnish generously with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve hot for the best flavor.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching presentation, serve the stir-fry over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa. Add a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds and a few cilantro leaves on top to showcase the deliciousness of this vibrant dish.