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Savory tofu, glazed in a rich, brown sauce, sits atop a bed of fluffy white rice

Crispy Tofu Bites With Sweet Chili Glaze

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 people
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Tofu press or heavy object (like a plate with a can)
  • Paper towels or clean kitchen towel
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Saucepan
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

Tofu

  • 300 grams firm or extra-firm tofu
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup Oil for frying

Sweet Chili Glaze

  • 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp gochujang
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp cooking wine or mirin
  • 2 tbsp corn syrup or sugar
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp tbsp oil

Optional Toppings

  • 2 tbsp chopped peanuts
  • 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
  • 1 spring onion, sliced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Tofu
    Wrap tofu in paper towels, press with a heavy object for 15–20 minutes to remove moisture. Cut into 2 cm cubes. Pat dry again. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
    Tofu slices on a blue paper
  • Coat with Cornstarch
    Toss tofu cubes in ½ cup cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off excess.
    Coated tofu bites
  • Fry Until Golden
    Heat oil in a skillet to 360°F (180°C). Fry tofu in batches, turning to crisp all sides (about 5–6 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.
    Frying tofu bites
  • Make the Glaze
    Combine all glaze ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
    Preparing delicious glaze for tofu bites
  • Toss Together
    Add tofu to glaze while warm. Stir to coat evenly. Mix in nuts. Plate and garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds.
    Sweet chili tofu recipe

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • For extra crunch, mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp of fine cornmeal.
  • To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Let the tofu sit a few minutes after tossing to let the glaze set into a sticky coating.
Keyword Appetizer, Crispy, Spicy, Tofu, Vegan