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- Firm tofu - Cornstarch - Vegetable oil - Garlic - Sweet chili sauce - Soy sauce - Rice vinegar - Sesame oil - Green onion - Sesame seeds Use one block of firm tofu that weighs 14 ounces. You need ½ cup of cornstarch to coat the tofu. Use 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil for frying. You will need 4 cloves of minced garlic for flavor. For the sauce, measure out ¼ cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Finally, garnish with 1 sliced green onion and some sesame seeds. If you want to use a different oil, try canola or peanut oil. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the dish friendly for everyone! Start by pressing the tofu. This helps remove extra water, which makes it crispy. Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place something heavy on top for 15-20 minutes. This weight helps squeeze out moisture. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Aim for even pieces so they cook well. Next, toss the cubed tofu in cornstarch. This layer helps create a crispy crust. Make sure each piece is coated evenly. Then, heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they turn golden and crispy. Remove the tofu and set it aside for later. Now, let’s make the sauce. Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. Then, pour in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently. After a few minutes, add the crispy tofu back into the skillet. Gently toss the tofu in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. This lets the flavors mix and coat the tofu. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. To get crispy tofu bites, start by pressing the tofu. This step is key. It removes moisture and helps the tofu crisp up nicely. Wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel and place a heavy item on top. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into small cubes. Next, coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch. This creates a crunchy layer when you cook it. Make sure each piece is covered well. You can use a bowl to toss them gently until coated. This method keeps the tofu from sticking and helps it brown evenly. To boost flavor, think about adding spices or herbs. For example, try adding some black pepper or a pinch of paprika. You can even mix in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for more taste. Adjusting the sweetness of the sauce is also important. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sweet chili sauce. If you prefer it less sweet, add a splash of soy sauce or rice vinegar. This gives you control over your snack’s flavor. For plating, serve the tofu bites on a nice platter. Drizzle any extra sauce over the top. This not only adds flavor but also looks appealing. You can arrange the tofu with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant touch. Garnishing is simple. Use sliced green onions and sesame seeds to add color and texture. This makes the dish look even more inviting. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! {{image_2}} To make your Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Bites even more exciting, you can add heat. A pinch of chili flakes gives a nice kick. If you like it spicier, try adding sriracha. Mix it into the sauce for that extra zing. You can adjust the spice based on your taste. Just remember, a little goes a long way! If you want a different protein, try tempeh or seitan. Both have great flavors and textures. Tempeh is nutty and packed with protein. Seitan has a chewy texture that many enjoy. You can use them in the same way as tofu. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for each protein. Each choice gives a new twist to your dish. These tofu bites are great with rice or noodles. Serve them over a bed of jasmine rice for a filling meal. You can also toss them with noodles and veggies. A light stir-fry works well too. Top with fresh herbs or lime for added flavor. Your family and friends will love this tasty combo! To keep your Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to ensure safety. These bites last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. To reheat and keep the tofu crispy, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tofu on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If using an air fryer, heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the tofu soggy. You can freeze the tofu bites, but it may change the texture. To freeze, place cooled tofu in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight before reheating. I recommend using firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe. Firm tofu has a nice texture that holds up well when cooked. Extra-firm tofu is even denser and offers a chewier bite, making it great for frying. Both types will provide a satisfying crunch when you coat them in cornstarch. Yes, this recipe is already vegan! All the ingredients, including sweet chili sauce and soy sauce, are plant-based. Just ensure that the sweet chili sauce you choose does not contain any animal products. This makes it easy for anyone to enjoy this tasty dish. To change the heat, you can add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce or skip the chili flakes. You can also serve the tofu bites with a cooling dip, like vegan yogurt, to balance the heat. Adjust the flavors to suit your taste! This recipe provides a tasty dish with firm tofu and a sweet chili sauce. You learned how to prepare, cook, and present this meal. I shared tips for getting crispy tofu and tasty flavors. You can also try variations with spices or different proteins. If you follow my storage guidelines, leftovers can last and taste great too. Enjoy making this dish your own, and let your creativity shine!

Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Bites

Discover the deliciousness of Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Bites with this easy recipe! Perfectly crispy tofu tossed in a flavorful sweet chili sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that's great for snacks or appetizers. In just 30 minutes, you can impress your friends and family with this vegetarian delight. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Click through for the full recipe and enjoy cooking! #TofuRecipes #VeganSnacks #SweetChili #HealthyEating
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Ingredients
  

1 block firm tofu (14 oz), pressed and cubed

½ cup cornstarch

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, cut into bite-sized cubes.

    Toss the cubed tofu in cornstarch until evenly coated. This will give it a crispy texture when cooked.

      In a large non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

        Once hot, carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.

          In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

            Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

              Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet and gently toss to coat the tofu bites with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.

                Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the tofu bites on a platter, drizzled with any remaining sauce from the skillet, and arrange with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color!