Description
This Chili Crunch Tofu recipe features crispy pan-fried tofu tossed in a spicy, flavorful chili crunch sauce perfect for serving over steamed rice. With a combination of savory soy, crispy cornstarch coating, and the bold heat of chili crisp, it’s an easy and delicious meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Coating
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1/4 cup Yum Yum sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili crisp
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Serving
- 1 1/2 cups rice, uncooked
- 1/4 cup green onions for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the uncooked rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions, typically simmering with water until fluffy and tender.
- Press and Cube the Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it with paper towels or a tofu press to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- Coat the Tofu: In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. This coating will create a crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Tofu: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the coated tofu cubes in a single layer and fry until all sides are golden brown and crispy, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Make the Chili Crunch Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine Yum Yum sauce, chili crisp, and honey (if using). Mix well to blend the spicy and sweet flavors.
- Toss Tofu in Sauce: Add the cooked tofu to the bowl with the chili crunch sauce and gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve: Serve the sauced tofu over the cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu well is essential to achieve a crispy texture.
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp according to your heat preference.
- Honey is optional and can be omitted for a vegan version; alternatively, use maple syrup.
- Use extra firm tofu to prevent crumbling during frying.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure both the soy sauce and chili crisp are gluten-free.
