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- Tofu and Vegetables - 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - Sauces and Oils - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional Ingredients for Garnishing - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) - Cooked jasmine rice for serving Gather these items before you start cooking. You’ll need firm tofu, fresh veggies, and tasty sauces. I love using vibrant bell peppers and crunchy snap peas. They add color and crunch to the dish. The sweet chili sauce gives the stir fry its signature flavor. Don’t forget the garlic and ginger; they add a nice kick. You can also garnish your dish with fresh cilantro. It adds a fresh taste and looks great. Serve the stir fry over jasmine rice for a complete meal. Trust me, this combo makes for a flavorful and satisfying dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Pressing the Tofu Start by pressing the tofu. This step helps remove extra water. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel. Place something heavy on top for 15-20 minutes. This helps it get firm and ready for cooking. - Cutting and Coating with Cornstarch After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Place these cubes in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss gently until each piece is coated. This coating gives the tofu a crispy texture when frying. - Heating Oil and Cooking Process In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cubed tofu in a single layer. Fry the tofu for about 8-10 minutes. Flip the pieces carefully to brown all sides evenly. - Achieving Golden Brown Texture Watch for the tofu to turn a golden brown color. This shows it is crispy and ready to eat. Once browned, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside. - Stir-frying Bell Peppers and Snap Peas In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. When hot, toss in sliced red and green bell peppers along with the snap peas. Stir-fry these for 3-4 minutes. You want them to be tender but still bright in color. - Adding Aromatics Next, add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for about one minute until you smell their wonderful aroma. This step adds a lot of flavor to your dish. Tofu can be cooked in many ways. You can fry, bake, or air-fry it. Each method gives a different texture. - Frying: It gives a nice crispy outside. Use medium-high heat and watch it closely. - Baking: This method is simple. Coat the tofu with oil and bake until golden. - Air-frying: This is a healthier option. It gets crispy without much oil. Try these methods to find your favorite way to cook tofu! Flavor matters in any dish. Here are some ideas to boost the taste of your stir fry. - Seasoning Options: Besides salt and pepper, use spices like paprika or cumin. They add depth. - Additional Sauces: You can mix in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili paste for more kick. Experiment with these options to make the dish your own! Pair your Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry with jasmine rice. This rice has a light and fragrant taste. It complements the rich flavors of the stir fry well. - Garnishes: Add fresh cilantro for a pop of color. It also adds freshness. - Side Dishes: Consider serving with a simple salad or steamed veggies. They balance the meal nicely. These tips will help you create a tasty and appealing dish! Pro Tips Press Tofu Well: Ensure you press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove as much moisture as possible. This helps achieve a firmer texture and allows it to absorb more flavor. Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the tofu and vegetables to achieve that perfect sear and vibrant color. Customize Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the bell peppers and snap peas for your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, or bok choy work great in this stir-fry! Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers when you add the garlic and ginger for an extra kick! {{image_2}} You can swap out bell peppers and snap peas for other veggies. Try using carrots or zucchini. Broccoli and mushrooms add nice flavors too. If you like greens, add bok choy or spinach. These swaps can change your stir-fry's texture and taste. Feel free to mix and match until you find your favorite blend. The key is to keep the cook time similar so all veggies stay crisp. Tofu is great, but you can try other proteins too. Chicken or shrimp can add a different twist. If you prefer plant-based options, tempeh works well. Just follow the same steps to cook them. If using chicken, cut it into small pieces and cook until done. For shrimp, just sauté until they turn pink. Each protein brings its own flavor and texture to the dish. If you need gluten-free options, choose tamari instead of soy sauce. Many sweet chili sauces are gluten-free, but check labels. Use cornstarch for the tofu coating, as it’s naturally gluten-free. Serve your stir-fry over rice or quinoa for a filling meal. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. To keep your Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. You can store it for up to three days. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. To reheat, use the stovetop for the best results. Place the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat. Stir gently until warm. This keeps the tofu crispy and the veggies bright. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid sogginess. If you want to freeze leftovers, wait until they cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can try tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas. Each option gives a unique flavor and texture. Tempeh is fermented, adding a nutty taste. Seitan has a chewy texture, perfect for stir-fries. Chickpeas bring more protein and a slightly sweet flavor. Yes! You can add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat. Start with a little, then taste as you go. You can also use spicy chili sauce instead of sweet chili sauce for a bolder flavor. Adjusting the spice level makes it your own. This dish can be healthy! It has lots of veggies and plant protein. Tofu is low in calories and high in protein. Use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt. Fresh veggies add vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded meal. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. So, in total, you can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes. It's great for busy nights when you want a tasty meal fast! Serve it over cooked jasmine rice for a complete meal. You can also add quinoa for extra protein. A side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad complements the stir-fry well. Enjoy your meal with a refreshing drink like iced green tea! You've learned how to make a great Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry. We covered each ingredient, preparation step, and tips for success. From perfecting the tofu texture to exploring variations, you've got all the tools. Proper storage and reheating tips ensure your meal stays delicious. Remember, cooking is fun and a chance to get creative. Try new flavors and ingredients. Enjoy making this dish, and share your experience with others!

Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

A delicious and vibrant stir fry featuring crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and a sweet chili garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 unit green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh cilantro for garnish
  • as needed cooked jasmine rice for serving

Instructions
 

  • Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss them in a bowl with cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu in a single layer and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still vibrant.
  • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
  • Return the browned tofu to the skillet, then pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss everything together gently to coat and heat through, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve the stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Serve with jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Keyword quick meal, stir fry, tofu, vegetarian