Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry: Easy Chinese Recipe
45 minutes
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About Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry: Easy Chinese Recipe
This Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry recipe delivers a vibrant and flavorful Chinese-inspired dish without the fuss. Using readily available ingredients, you'll create a quick and healthy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.The secret? A perfectly crispy tofu achieved through a simple marinade and shallow frying. We skip deep-frying for a healthier alternative, resulting in tofu with a satisfying crunch and a delightful sesame oil aroma. The stir-fry itself comes together in minutes, combining colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce.Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easily adaptable to your spice preference. Adjust the chili sauce and chili flakes to your liking for a truly personalized culinary experience.
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total45 minutes
Ingredients
Tofu & Marinade
- 200 gm Tofu firm or extra-firm, pressed and cubed (about 1 inch)
- 4 tbsp All-Purpose Flour also known as maida
- 1 tbsp Corn Flour
- 1 tsp Pepper black, freshly ground
- 1 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1 tbsp Garlic Paste
Vegetables
- 1 Bell Peppers chopped into large cubes, red
- 1 Bell Peppers chopped into large cubes, yellow
- 1 Bell Peppers chopped into large cubes, green
- 1 Onion chopped into large cubes, medium
- 2.5 clove Garlic minced
- 1/2 cup Scallions also known as spring onions, for garnish, roughly chopped
Sauces & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Sesame Oil for shallow frying
- 1/2 tbsp Chili Garlic Sauce or more, to taste
- 1 tbsp Chili Sauce or schezwan sauce, sweet
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Pepper Flakes or to taste, red
- 1/2 tbsp Ketchup optional
- 1 tbsp Ginger Paste
Instructions
Prepare the Tofu
- Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, black pepper, salt, and garlic paste. Add enough water to create a medium-thick batter. Add tofu cubes and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Shallow Fry the Tofu
- In a separate bowl, place remaining all-purpose flour. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove tofu cubes from the marinade, dredge in the flour, and shallow fry in batches until golden brown and crispy, flipping as needed. Remove the tofu and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Stir-fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the onions and bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened but still crisp.
Make the Sauce and Combine
- Add ginger paste, chili garlic sauce, sweet chili sauce (or schezwan), soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and ketchup (if using). Stir to combine.
Finish the Dish
- Add the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Add rice vinegar, remove from heat and stir well.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot with rice or noodles.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips
- Pressing the tofu before cubing helps remove excess water, resulting in crispier tofu.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when shallow frying the tofu. This ensures even cooking and browning.
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your preference.
- For a vegetarian version use vegetable broth instead of any other stock
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.2gSodium: 855mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
5 Comments
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This is wonderful! Can’t wait to taste it.
Perfect dish! Can’t wait to cook it.
Looks so yummy! Excited to make it.
So delicious! Excited to make it.
Absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try it.