Sweet Chili Lime Baked Tofu

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, thoroughly drained and pressed - 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - 1 tablespoon sesame oil The main ingredients form the base of our flavor-packed dish. Firm tofu works best for this recipe. It holds its shape and absorbs flavors well. Sweet chili sauce gives a nice kick of sweetness and heat. The soy sauce adds depth and saltiness. Fresh lime juice brightens the dish, while sesame oil adds a touch of nuttiness. - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated Aromatics like garlic and ginger make a big difference. They boost the dish's flavor. Garlic adds a savory note, while ginger brings warmth and a hint of spice. Together, they create a lovely aroma that fills your kitchen. - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) Cornstarch is essential for that crispy texture. It coats the tofu and helps it get golden brown in the oven. Green onions and sesame seeds are perfect for garnishing. They add color and crunch to your dish, making it look as good as it tastes. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Cut the pressed tofu into your desired shape. You can make cubes or slabs. - In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients: sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. - Add the tofu to the marinade and toss gently. Make sure every piece is coated. For deeper flavor, let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. - After marinating, coat the tofu with cornstarch. This helps it get crispy. - Arrange the tofu pieces on the baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t crowd them; this helps them cook evenly. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. Turn the tofu pieces halfway through. This gives them a nice golden color. Enjoy your flavorful Sweet Chili Lime Baked Tofu as a tasty dish! For the best flavor, marinate your tofu for at least 15 minutes. This time allows the tofu to soak up the sweet chili sauce and other ingredients. If you have more time, marinating for up to an hour can deepen the flavor even further. To enhance your marinade, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will give your tofu an extra kick. Cornstarch is key to getting that crunchy texture when you bake tofu. It creates a barrier that helps the tofu crisp up nicely in the oven. Make sure to coat each piece lightly, as too much can make it clump. To achieve optimal crispiness, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures the tofu cooks evenly and develops a golden crust. Serve your Sweet Chili Lime Baked Tofu over fluffy jasmine rice or a mix of greens for a vibrant meal. This adds color and texture to your plate. For garnishes, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. These not only look great but also add flavor. You can even add extra lime wedges on the side. A fresh squeeze of lime right before eating brightens up the dish and enhances the taste! {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your Sweet Chili Lime Baked Tofu. If you like heat, add Sriracha. Just a teaspoon or two will make it spicy. This gives the dish a nice kick that many enjoy. Another option is to switch sweet chili sauce brands. Each brand has its own taste. Some sauces are sweeter or spicier. Try a few to find your favorite. You might discover a new flavor you love! You can also change the ingredients in this recipe. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or avocado oil. These oils will still give your tofu a nice flavor. For the tofu, you can use extra-firm or firm tofu. Both types work well. If you prefer a different texture, try tempeh instead. Tempeh has a nuttier taste and will add a new twist to the dish. Making this dish fit your diet is simple. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a great alternative that tastes just as good. If you want to ensure it’s vegan-friendly, check your sweet chili sauce. Some brands may contain fish sauce. Choose a brand that is labeled vegan for a worry-free meal. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! To store your baked tofu, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. Baked tofu stays fresh for up to four days. To reheat, use an oven or a skillet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10 minutes to keep it crispy. In a skillet, use medium heat and cook until warm. You can freeze leftover tofu, too. Wrap it tightly and store it for up to three months. Leftover baked tofu is very versatile. You can slice it for salads or wraps. It adds a protein boost to grain bowls. Try it in stir-fries or as a topping on rice. The sweet chili lime flavor works well with many dishes. The best type of tofu for baking is firm tofu. It holds its shape well and has a nice texture. Extra-firm tofu also works if you want a chewier bite. Soft or silken tofu can fall apart when baked, so avoid those. Yes, you can use homemade sweet chili sauce. Just make sure it has a good balance of sweetness and heat. Homemade sauce can even taste fresher than store-bought options. To make this dish spicier, add Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also use a spicy chili sauce instead of sweet chili sauce. Adjust the amount to fit your heat level. Yes, you can bake tofu without cornstarch. However, cornstarch helps create a crisp texture. If you skip it, the tofu may be softer. You can simply bake it longer to achieve a firmer texture. Sweet Chili Lime Baked Tofu is rich in protein and low in carbs. A serving provides about 140 calories, 12 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fat. It also offers vitamins from the lime juice and green onions. For exact values, check the specific brands you use. Baking tofu is fun and easy with the right ingredients and steps. You learned about essential ingredients like firm tofu, sweet chili sauce, and sesame oil. I shared tips to make your tofu crispy and delicious. You can also customize flavors and make it fit your diet. In the end, this dish is tasty and versatile. Enjoy your Sweet Chili Lime Baked Tofu with friends or as leftovers. You can mix it into salads, wraps, or serve it on its own! Your kitchen skills will impress everyone.$

Sweet Chili Lime Baked Tofu

Discover the deliciousness of Sweet Chili Lime Baked Tofu with this simple and flavorful recipe! Perfectly marinated and baked to crispy perfection, this dish is a fantastic way to enjoy tofu. With easy instructions and minimal prep time, you'll have a delightful meal ready in no time.

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Ingredients

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, thoroughly drained and pressed

3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, preferably squeezed just before use

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into your desired shape: cubes or slabs both work well depending on your presentation preference.

Make the Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until all ingredients are well combined.

Marinate the Tofu: Carefully add the tofu pieces to the marinade. Gently toss the tofu until each piece is well coated. For enhanced flavor, let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Coat with Cornstarch: After marinating, sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the tofu. Toss gently again to ensure that every piece is lightly coated. The cornstarch will help achieve a crispy texture during baking.

Arrange for Baking: Place the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded to promote even cooking.

Bake the Tofu: Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes. Be sure to turn the tofu pieces halfway through the baking time for an even golden brown and crispy exterior.

Cool and Serve: Once the tofu is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving to maximize flavor and texture.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the baked tofu atop a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or a colorful mix of greens. Decorate with the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add visual appeal. Offer extra lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze over each serving, enhancing the flavors beautifully.