Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spicy Crispy Tofu is a flavorful, plant-based dish that delivers a perfect balance of heat and crunch. With golden-brown tofu cubes coated in a savory, spicy glaze, it’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer. This dish is protein-packed, satisfying, and pairs well with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

firm tofucornstarchsoy saucesesame oilgarlicgingerred chili flakes (or chili paste)rice vinegarbrown sugargreen onionsvegetable oil for frying

directions

Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.

In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated.

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the tofu until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

In a separate pan, heat sesame oil and sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant.

Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and red chili flakes or chili paste. Stir to combine and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Add the crispy tofu to the sauce and toss gently to coat all pieces.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 3-4 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use maple syrup or agave in place of brown sugar for a vegan sweetener.

Add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra veggies.

Use air fryer instead of pan-frying for a lighter version.

Swap chili paste for sriracha or gochujang for different spice profiles.

storage/reheating

Store Spicy Crispy Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness, or microwave for 1-2 minutes (though it may be less crispy).Avoid freezing, as tofu texture may change.

FAQs

What type of tofu works best?

Firm or extra-firm tofu is ideal for achieving crispy texture.

Can I bake instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.

How spicy is this dish?

You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili flakes or paste.

Is it gluten-free?

Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Do I need to press the tofu?

Yes, pressing helps remove water, which is key for achieving crispiness.

Can I make this oil-free?

You can bake or air fry the tofu with minimal oil, and sauté the sauce ingredients in water or broth.

Can I use silken tofu?

No, silken tofu is too soft and will fall apart—stick with firm varieties.

What can I serve it with?

It pairs well with jasmine rice, quinoa, or stir-fried noodles and veggies.

Can I prepare it in advance?

Yes, but for best crispiness, fry the tofu just before serving and store the sauce separately.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well for high-heat frying.

Conclusion

Spicy Crispy Tofu is a bold and delicious dish that proves plant-based meals can be both hearty and exciting. Whether you’re a tofu lover or a curious first-timer, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and a kick of flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more.