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–+ servings
Sweet chili tofu served over quinoa, broccolini, and edamame.

Sweet Chili Tofu

Sweet Chili Tofu is a flavor-packed plant-based dinner. Made with crispy tofu coated in a sticky sweet chili sauce, it’s quick to prepare and uses just a handful of simple ingredients. Perfect served over rice or quinoa with vegetables for an easy tofu bowl.
5 from 6 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Liv King

Ingredients
 

Tofu

  • 14 ounce block Extra-Firm Tofu drain and pressed
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • Pinch of Kosher Salt
  • Pinch of Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil for cooking

Sweet Chili Sauce

  • ¼ cup Sweet Chili Sauce see note
  • 2 tablespoon Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup see note
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds more for garnish

Instructions

  • Press the tofu for at least 10-15 minutes and then cube the tofu and place them in a large bowl.
  • Toss with cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.
  • To air fry, transfer the tofu to an air fryer and drizzle or spray with oil (no need to preheat.) Air fry at 400F for 12-13 minutes or until golden brown. Shake the basket occasionally to evenly brown each side.
  • To pan-fry, heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil. Fry the tofu in the pan until golden and crispy, about 10-12 minutes.
  • If serving as a bowl, prepare rice, quinoa, or another grain and any vegetables you'd like to include.
  • Whisk all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until combined. Set aside.
  • Pour the sauce into a pan over medium heat, add the crispy tofu, and cook for 2-3 minutes until thick and saucy.
  • Serve the sweet chili tofu over rice or quinoa with vegetables if making a bowl.

Notes

Sweet chili sauce isn't always vegan, as some brands may contain fish sauce or other animal-derived ingredients. Make sure to check the ingredients. I use the 365 brand. 
Keep in mind that some sweet chili sauces can be spicier than others. Taste it first, and if it’s more spicy than sweet, add maple syrup. If it's sweet enough for you, feel free to skip it.  
Important Note about Salt: Not all salts are made equal and cannot be substituted 1:1. If you are substituting table salt for kosher salt, you will need to cut the amount called for in the recipe by at least half.
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