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- 14 oz firm tofu, diced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 2 carrots, julienned - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece ginger, grated - 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil The main components of sweet chili tofu stir-fry create a colorful and tasty dish. Firm tofu is the star, giving a great texture. You want this tofu to be nice and crispy, so press it well. Fresh bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Broccoli and carrots bring color and nutrients. Garlic and ginger round out the flavors, making every bite special. The sweet chili sauce and soy sauce are key to a rich and savory finish. - Sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro Garnishes add a nice touch to your dish. Sesame seeds give a bit of crunch and a nutty taste. Fresh cilantro brightens the flavors and adds a fresh aroma. These add-ons make the dish look pretty and inviting. Enjoy the burst of flavors as you savor your sweet chili tofu stir-fry! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Pressing the tofu: Start by taking your firm tofu and cutting it into cubes. Place the cubes between clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Press gently to remove the water. This takes about 15 minutes. Removing moisture helps the tofu get crispy. - Achieving a crispy texture: The key to a great texture is pressing. The drier the tofu, the better it browns. This step is very important. - Heating the oil: Get a large skillet or wok. Add vegetable oil and heat it on medium-high. Wait until the oil shimmers. This shows it is hot and ready. - Cooking the tofu: Once the oil is hot, add the pressed tofu cubes. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Turn the tofu frequently. You want it golden brown on all sides. After that, take the tofu out and set it on a plate. - Stir-frying the vegetables: In the same skillet, add sesame oil. Next, toss in minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the sliced red and green bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes. You want the veggies tender but still crunchy. - Combining tofu and sauces: Return the cooked tofu to the skillet. Pour sweet chili sauce and soy sauce over everything. Gently toss to coat all the tofu and veggies. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. - Garnishing and serving: Once heated, take it off the heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Your sweet chili tofu stir-fry is now ready to enjoy! How to choose the right tofu When making stir-fry, use firm tofu. Firm tofu holds its shape well during cooking. Look for tofu packed in water, with no cracks. Fresh tofu has a light smell. Importance of pressing tofu Pressing tofu is key to great texture. Remove excess water to help it crisp up. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place the tofu between layers and apply light pressure. Let it sit for 15 minutes. This step makes all the difference in your dish. Best practices for stir-frying Heat your oil before adding ingredients. Use a large skillet or wok for even cooking. Keep your heat high to sear the tofu and veggies quickly. Stir often to prevent sticking and burning. This keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant. Maintaining vegetable crunch Add vegetables in stages based on cooking time. Start with harder veggies like carrots and broccoli. Add softer ones like bell peppers later. Stir-fry for just a few minutes. This helps them stay bright and crisp. Enjoy the colorful, crunchy bites! Pro Tips Press Tofu Well: Ensure to press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture when frying. Use High Heat: Cooking the tofu and vegetables over medium-high heat allows them to sear properly, enhancing flavors and texture. Customize Veggies: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms based on your preference or seasonal availability. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the stir-fry right after cooking while the tofu is still crispy and the vegetables are vibrant. {{image_4}} You can make this dish your own by adding different veggies or proteins. Here are some tasty ideas: - Other vegetables to include: Try snap peas, bok choy, zucchini, or mushrooms. These add flavor and color. - Different proteins: You can swap tofu for tempeh, seitan, or chicken. Each option brings a unique taste and texture. If you want to change up the flavors, you can try different sauces: - Homemade sweet chili sauce: Mix sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes for a fresh twist. This is an easy way to customize your dish. - Low-sodium soy sauce options: Look for low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier choice. It reduces salt but keeps the flavor strong. To keep your leftovers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the tofu and veggies cool down before you seal the container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. However, freezing may change the texture of the tofu. To freeze, place the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat your stir-fry while keeping the tofu crispy, follow these steps. First, let the leftovers sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps them warm evenly. Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of oil to the skillet. Once hot, add the stir-fry. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring gently. This way, you can bring back some crispiness to the tofu. Enjoy your meal just like when it was fresh! How to make the tofu extra crispy? To make tofu crispy, press it well to remove moisture. Use a towel and place a weight on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. Cook it in hot oil without crowding the pan. This allows each piece to brown evenly. Can I make this dish vegan? Yes, this dish is vegan. The main ingredients are tofu and vegetables. Just ensure your sweet chili sauce and soy sauce are vegan. Most brands are, but it’s best to check the labels. What can I serve with sweet chili tofu stir-fry? You can serve it with white rice or brown rice. Quinoa is also a great choice. For a lighter meal, try it with a fresh salad. You can add extra veggies if you like! Caloric content per serving Each serving of sweet chili tofu stir-fry contains about 250 calories. This is a rough estimate and can vary based on the oils and sauces used. Health benefits of ingredients - Tofu: A great source of protein and low in calories. - Bell peppers: High in vitamins A and C, good for the immune system. - Broccoli: Packed with fiber and antioxidants. - Carrots: Excellent for eye health due to their beta-carotene. - Garlic and ginger: Both have anti-inflammatory properties and boost digestion. This blog post shared how to make a delicious sweet chili tofu stir-fry. We covered the main ingredients: firm tofu, fresh veggies, and tasty sauces. You learned how to prepare and cook the tofu, keeping it crispy and flavorful. We discussed variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Incorporating these ideas will help you create a tasty meal. Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your own!

Sweet Chili Tofu Stir-Fry

A delicious and vibrant stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and colorful vegetables, coated in a sweet chili sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, diced
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 whole green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 whole carrots, julienned
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • none Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • none Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the tofu: Carefully press the diced tofu between layers of a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, eliminating excess moisture for approximately 15 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a crispy texture during cooking.
  • Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Cook the tofu: Once the oil is hot, add the pressed tofu cubes to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown and crisp on all sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, drizzle in the sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for around 30 seconds or until they release a fragrant aroma. Next, add the sliced red and green bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry everything together for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still retain a slight crunch.
  • Combine tofu and sauces: Return the browned tofu to the skillet. Pour the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce over the mixture. Gently toss everything to ensure the tofu and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Garnish and serve: Once the stir-fry is heated through, remove it from the heat source. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Pressing the tofu is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
Keyword stir fry, sweet chili, tofu, vegetarian