Quick Sweet Chili Tofu Recipe
Sweet Chili Tofu | Crispy tofu pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. This sticky sweet chili tofu recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand! The easiest vegan dinner recipe.
Sweet chili tofu is a super quick and easy vegan dinner option! Ready in under 20 minutes and with just a handful of ingredients, this is the perfect recipe for a lazy weeknight dinner.
I freeze my tofu and put it in the fridge for about 24 hours before I cook it. Freezing the tofu provides a meatier texture that soaks up sauce more easily. I recommend freezing your tofu for this recipe!
If you know someone who can’t eat soy but you think they’d love this recipe, try Big Mountain Soy Free Tofu.
The homemade sweet chili sauce is a delicious blend of brown sugar for sweetness, sambal oelek for spice, fresh garlic, soy sauce for umami flavour, and cornstarch to thicken it. This bold sauce is perfect for not only tofu but also noodles and vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for appetizers.
Choosing the right tofu for stir fry
I recommend using extra firm tofu but firm or medium firm tofu will also work. Softer tofu is more likely to fall apart and break, plus firmer tofu has a heartier texture which pairs well with the smooth sticky sauce.
How to make gluten free sweet chili tofu
Make gluten free sweet chili tofu by using gluten free soya sauce or tamari instead of regular soya sauce. Some brands make soya sauce with rice instead of wheat.
Also, make sure the chili paste you use is gluten free.
How to make sweet chili tofu stir fry
If you want a heartier meal, try making stir fry. Fry the tofu pieces according to this recipe. Mix the sauce and set aside.
Cook aromatics like ginger, garlic, and chilis in a wok for 15-20 seconds. Then add any vegetables you want. Cook for a minute, then add the tofu and the sweet chili sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Serve with noodles or rice.
Ingredients
More about the ingredients in this recipe. The exact measurements are below.
Instructions
Mix the sauce ingredients together and set aside.
Cut the tofu into 1 inch pieces and mix with the soya sauce, then the corn starch.
Heat a drizzle of oil in a wok pan on medium heat. Add the tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, to brown all sides.
Add the sweet chili sauce and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will thicken significantly, creating a sticky coating on the tofu.
Serve with rice, sliced green onion, and extra hot sauce if you like spice.
Tips for making sweet chili tofu
What to serve with sweet chili tofu
Serve sweet chili tofu with steamed or fried rice, or stir fried noodles.
Skip the tofu in my Tofu Udon Stir Fry and serve with the sweet chili tofu instead!
Try a light side of blanched or stir fried Asian greens, like bok choy or Chinese broccoli.
Serve a side of sesame slaw, or spicy cucumber salad.
If you like spice, top the tofu with extra sambal oelek or sriracha.
Substitutions
Storage
Store the tofu in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat the tofu, microwave it or heat in a wok until heated through. Store in the freezer in an air tight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or wok with a splash of water to thin the sauce out.
FAQ’s
Sweet chili tofu has a balance of sweetness and spiciness. You can always adjust the spice level to suit your taste preference.
You can make sweet chili tofu gluten free by using gluten free soya sauce or tamari! Make sure your chili garlic paste is gluten free as well.
Yes! Simply toss the tofu in soya sauce and corn starch, and air fry for 8 minutes, or until crispy. Serve with sweet chili sauce.
Sweet Chili Tofu
Equipment
- 1 wok pan wok is the easiest, but a regular frying pan will work too
- 1 rubber tongs
- 1 whisk
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 350 grams extra firm tofu I used frozen and thawed tofu
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons sambal oelek
- 3 tablespoon soya sauce divided
- 3 tablespoon corn starch divided
- oil for cooking
Instructions
- Drain the tofu block and wrap it in paper towel. Place it under a heavy bowl and set aside for 10 minutes.
- Mix water, brown sugar, sambal oelek, garlic, 1 tablespoon soya sauce, and 1 tablespoon corn starch to make the sauce. Set aside.
- Cut the tofu into 1 inch pieces and toss it in the remaining soya sauce and corn starch.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a wok over medium heat. A regular frying pan will work, but a wok is easier.
- Add the tofu to the wok and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown all sides.
- Add the sauce to the tofu and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Erika Piper
Hey there, I’m Erika. I’ve been meat-free for over a decade.
I’m here to provide delicious and affordable plant-based recipes for anyone interested.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just curious about trying it out, I’m here to support you with my easy and accessible recipes.
