This finger-licking healthy Asian Chili Garlic Tofu is a perfect meatless dish that you can prepare for lunch or dinner. Serve it with warm plain rice for a complete meal. You will become a tofu fan once you try it.
I love making tofu Asian style. Personally, I have found that tofu simply goes well with all Asian spices and flavors.
What is your favorite way of cooking tofu?
Today I am going to share with you our favorite chili garlic tofu in finger-licking Asian-inspired sauce.
Let's get started.
How to make Asian chili garlic tofu stir-fry?
This recipe involves two steps: to prepare the tofu and then the sauce to go with it.
1. Preparing tofu:
First, evenly coat bite-sized pieces of tofu with a mixture of flour and cornstarch. Then in a medium skillet cook the coated tofu in some oil to form a crust over them. Take out the tofu and in the same pan prepare the chili garlic sauce.
2. Making chili garlic sauce:
For the sauce, in sesame oil saute some fresh garlic, chili flakes, and tomato ketchup, and then some sliced shallots. Add soy sauce, vinegar, and little honey to balance the hotness of the chili. Add water and bring the mixture to a boil. In order to thicken the sauce a bit add some cornstarch. Once the sauce is done, add cooked tofu and mix to coat the tofu well. Garnish with green onions and serve warm.
You can serve this chili garlic tofu with white plain cooked rice for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips!
- Use extra-firm tofu for better results.
- To remove excess water from the tofu, wrap the tofu block in a few layers of tissue paper and put some weight on it to squeeze the water out. Or simply use Tofu Press to get this work done without any mess. (However, I find extra firm tofu from Trader Joe's perfect for these types of recipes. It does not require removing excess moisture from them.)
More Asian recipes you will love to try
📖 Recipe
30 min Healthy Asian chili garlic tofu stir-fry
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Ingredients
Preparing Tofu
- 14 oz tofu cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoon wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Chili Garlic Sauce
- 2-3 garlic finely chopped
- ½" ginger finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes more or less as per taste
- 1 ½ tablespoon ketchup
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 shallot thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce reduced sodium
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 2-3 teaspoon cornstarch mix with a tablespoon of water
- few springs of green onion
Instructions
- Gently mix tofu with flour and cornstarch to coat evenly.
- Heat oil in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet. Add tofu and cook for a few minutes to form a crust on each side turning frequently. Take out the cooked tofu and set it aside.
- In the same skillet heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger and chili flakes and cook for about one minute or until fragrant.
- Then add sliced shallots and fry until translucent for about 1-2 min.
- Now add ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes.
- Add broth and bring mixture to boil.
- Add cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce and cook the sauce further for 3-4 min.
- Finally, add tofu and gently mix to combine.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds (optional) and serve warm.
Lorraine says
Made this and loved it will definitely make again
Jessica says
Omg this was sooooo delicious I love tofu and so far this was one of my favorite recipes this tofu is so delicious it reminds me of orange chicken or something idk my mind is out of words for this dish it’s so yummy in anyone’s tummy even my mom liked it and she hates tofu
Resh says
Ooh, love it! Will make it tomorrow 😊
Jay says
Thanks for the tip about coating the tofu in flour and cornstarch. I wondered how to get that little crust on the tofu. This dish looks delicious I'm going to have to have a go at making it.
Katie says
This recipe looks delicious, and very easy to adjust to be vegan-friendly. I love your photos and your layout.
Lisa M. Long says
Ooh!Excellent post.I like to eat tofu and your's recipe is easy yo make.I will try it must.Thanks for sharing.
Kim says
Yummy and healthy!