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Homemade sweet chili tofu recipe served over jasmine rice with sesame seeds and green onions on a white kitchen counter, overhead view.

Sweet Chili Tofu Recipe

Quick sweet chili tofu recipe ready in 10 minutes. Crispy, spicy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Easy Asian-inspired vegan dinner!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Gluten-Free option, Vegan, Vegetarian
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz Firm or extra-firm tofu Pressed and cubed
  • 2 tablespoon Cornstarch For coating tofu
  • 2 tablespoon Vegetable oil For frying
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.25 cup Sweet chili sauce Store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoon Soy sauce Or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Minced
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger Minced
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
  • 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Optional, for heat
  • 2 Green onions Sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds For garnish
  • Cooked jasmine rice or quinoa For serving

Equipment

  • 1 Large non-stick skillet For frying tofu evenly
  • 1 Fine-mesh strainer To smooth sauce
  • 1 Tofu Press / Heavy Books To press tofu
  • 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife For clean cuts
  • 1 Small mixing bowl For whisking sauce

Method
 

  1. Press tofu between paper towels for 10 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Toss tofu cubes with cornstarch and salt, then let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
  4. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry tofu 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Reduce heat, add the sauce to the skillet, and gently toss to coat the tofu.
  6. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with jasmine rice or quinoa.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.