Chili Garlic Tofu
Chili Garlic Tofu is a fiery and flavorful vegetarian dish that combines crispy tofu with a spicy garlic sauce, perfect for a satisfying lunch. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and vibrant flavors, making it an irresistible choice for plant-based eaters.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Chinese
320 kcal
Ingredients
- Firm tofu - 400 grams
- Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons
- Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
- Red chili flakes - 1 teaspoon
- Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
- Sugar - 1 teaspoon
- Green onions - 2, chopped
- Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - to taste
Steps
- Press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, coat the tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly covered.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove tofu from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the red chili flakes and stir for another 30 seconds.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Add the fried tofu back into the skillet and toss to coat the tofu in the sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Water: 0.25 L
Health Benefits
- High in plant-based protein from tofu, supporting muscle health.
- Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and may help reduce inflammation.
Tags
ChineseVegetarianLunch