Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu

Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu

Experience a flavor explosion with Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu! This mouthwatering dish combines crispy tofu cubes with a fiery blend of chili and garlic, creating a tantalizing culinary adventure that’s sure to awaken your taste buds. Perfect for spice lovers and tofu enthusiasts alike, this recipe offers a delightful fusion of heat and savory goodness.

Table of Contents

Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu Vertical

The History of Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu

Chili Garlic Tofu embodies a culinary journey rooted in the vibrant tapestry of Asian gastronomy. Its origins can be traced back to the diverse and flavorful cuisines of countries like China, Thailand, and Korea, where tofu holds a revered place in traditional cooking.

Throughout history, chili and garlic have been prized for their aromatic potency and robust flavors. In Asian culinary traditions, these ingredients are often used to infuse dishes with depth and heat, creating a symphony of sensations that captivate the palate.

While the precise origins of Chili Garlic Tofu are shrouded in mystery, its evolution can be understood through the lens of cultural exchange and culinary innovation. Over generations, cooks and chefs have experimented with different combinations of spices and seasonings, seeking to elevate the humble tofu into a culinary masterpiece.

Today, Chili Garlic Tofu stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Asian cuisine, offering a tantalizing blend of tradition and innovation. Whether enjoyed as a street food snack or a gourmet delicacy, this dish continues to captivate food enthusiasts around the world with its bold flavors and rich history.

Why You’ll Love Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu

  • Explosive Flavor: The fiery combination of chili and garlic delivers a bold and unforgettable taste experience.
  • Crispy Texture: Each tofu cube is fried to crispy perfection, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.
  • Versatile: Whether enjoyed as a main course or a flavorful side dish, Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu offers endless culinary possibilities.

What Is In Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu?

This tantalizing dish boasts a harmonious blend of ingredients carefully curated to deliver a symphony of flavors and textures:

  1. Tofu: The star of the show, tofu serves as the protein-rich canvas that absorbs the fiery chili and savory garlic, offering a satisfying bite with every mouthful.
  2. Chili: Adding a fiery kick, chili peppers infuse the dish with a bold and invigorating heat, tantalizing the taste buds and leaving a lingering warmth.
  3. Garlic: With its pungent aroma and rich flavor, garlic elevates the dish with its savory notes, creating a robust and aromatic profile that delights the senses.
  4. Soy Sauce: Providing a savory umami base, soy sauce enhances the depth of flavor and ties together the diverse elements of the dish, resulting in a harmonious and balanced taste experience.
  5. Carrots: These vibrant vegetables add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch to the dish, complementing the heat of the chili and the richness of the garlic.
  6. Bell Peppers: Bursting with color and flavor, bell peppers contribute a crisp texture and a mild sweetness, balancing out the spicy and savory elements of the dish while adding visual appeal.

Together, these ingredients come together to create a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Key Ingredients

  • Tofu: Serves as the foundation of the dish, offering a versatile and protein-packed component.
  • Chili: Provides the fiery heat and intense flavor that defines the dish, allowing for customization based on spice tolerance.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent aroma and savory depth, elevating the overall taste experience with its bold flavor.
  • Soy Sauce: Enhances the umami richness of the dish, creating a harmonious balance of savory and spicy elements.

How To Make Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu

  1. Press the Tofu to remove excess water
Press tofu to fry

  1. Cut tofu into medium pieces, and combine with corn starch, salt and ground black pepper.

Coat Tofu with Corn Starch

  1. In a pan over medium heat, add 2-3 tbsp. of oil
Pan Fry Tofu

Pan fry Tofu 2

Pan Fry Tofu until Golden Brown
  1. Pan fry or Air fry until lightly golden, and remove to a paper towel lined paper to wick away excess oil.
Tofu in Paper towel lined bowl

  1. In the same pan, use remaining oil or add 1 tbsp. if needed, then add garlic, chilies, carrots, peppers, whites of the green onion, and bird eye chilies. Then add the fried Tofu along with the Chili Garlic Sauce. Then Stir to coat all tofu pieces with the sauce, and the sauce to thicken.
Veggies in a frying pan

Fried Tofu in Frying Pan atop veggies

Add Chili Garlic Sauce to Frying Pan

  1. Then Garnish with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds.
Chili Garlic Tofu garnished with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds

  1. Enjoy with side of Jasmine rice and favorite veggies!

Have It Your Way!

Customize your Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu with these creative adaptations:

  • Adjust Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of chili to suit your preferred level of heat.
  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for added color, flavor, and nutrition.
  • Serve with Rice or Noodles: Enjoy it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Facts

Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu offers numerous health benefits, including:

  • Protein-Rich: Tofu serves as an excellent source of plant-based protein, supporting muscle health and satiety.
  • Immune-Boosting: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, and helping to fend off illness and promote overall wellness.
  • Antioxidant-Packed: Chili peppers contain antioxidants that support cellular health and protect against oxidative stress.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu

Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu

Berry Berry Life
Savor the fiery fusion of flavors with Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu—a tantalizing dish featuring crispy tofu cubes infused with bold chili and aromatic garlic.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chili Garlic Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Press the Tofu to remove excess water
    14 oz Extra Firm Tofu
  • Cut tofu into medium pieces, and combine with corn starch, salt and ground black pepper
    3 Tbsp Corn Starch, 1/2 Tsp Salt, 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
  • In a pan over medium heat, add 2-3 tbsp of oil
    2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
  • Pan fry or Air fry until lightly golden, and remove to a paper towel lined papper to wick away excess oil.
  • Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
    1 Tbsp. Brown Sugar, 2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce, 1 Tbsp. Red Chili Sauce, 1 Tbsp. Schezwan Chutney, 1 Tsp. Black Pepper
  • In the same pan, use remaining oil or add 1 tbsp of additional oil if needed, then add garlic, chilies, carrots, peppers, whites of the green onion, and bird eye chilies. Then add the fried Tofu along with the Spicy Chili Garlic Sauce. Stir to coat all tofu pieces with the sauce, and the sauce to thicken.
    1 Carrot, 1 Long Hot Red Pepper, 1 Orange Sweet Pepper, 1 Yellow Sweet Pepper, 2 Bird Eye Chilies, 4 Green Onions, 2 Tbsp. Garlic
  • Garnish with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds
    4 Green Onions, Sesame Seeds
  • Enjoy with Jasmine Rice and your favorite veggies!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 100gCalories: 150kcal
Keyword Chili, Garlic, Spicy, Tofu, Vegan
Tried This Recipe?Mention us @Berry_Berry_Life or #berryberrylife


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