Sweet Chili Glazed Tofu

Sweet Chili Glazed Tofu is a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy tofu fingers with a delightful sweet and spicy chili glaze. This recipe offers a tantalizing contrast of textures and flavors, with a light and crispy coating on the outside and a creamy, silky interior. The glaze adds a bold and zesty punch to the tofu, making it a delightful main course option or a tempting appetizer for any occasion.

To achieve the perfect balance of texture and taste, we use a combination of cornstarch and cornmeal to create a light and crispy coating for the tofu. The soft tofu provides a pleasant textural contrast between the crisp exterior and the smooth interior. By cutting the tofu into fingers, we increase the coating-to-tofu ratio, allowing the glaze to adhere perfectly and infuse every bite with its sweet and spicy goodness.

Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or someone looking to try tofu in a new and exciting way, this Sweet Chili Glazed Tofu recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the tips and instructions to create this flavorful and satisfying dish.

SERVES 4 TO 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 28 ounces soft tofu, cut into 3-inch-long by ½-inch-thick fingers
• Salt and pepper
• ¾ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup cornmeal
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup water
• ½ cup rice vinegar
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2–3 teaspoons Asian chili-garlic sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
• Salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Spread tofu over a paper towel–lined baking sheet, let drain for 20 minutes, then gently press dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and place a paper towel–lined plate on the rack. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch and cornmeal. Working with several tofu pieces at a time, coat them thoroughly with the cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Transfer the coated tofu to a wire rack set in a baking sheet.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook half of the tofu until crisp and lightly golden on all sides, around 10 to 12 minutes. Lift the tofu from the oil, letting excess oil drip back into the skillet, then transfer it to the plate in the oven. Repeat the process with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and the rest of the tofu.
5. For the glaze, whisk water, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, Asian chili-garlic sauce, and cornstarch together in a bowl.
6. Wipe out the now-empty skillet with paper towels, then add the glaze and simmer over medium heat until it becomes syrupy and reduces to 1¼ cups, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Off heat, stir in minced cilantro. Add the tofu to the skillet and turn to coat it with the glaze. Season with salt to taste and serve.

VARIATION:

For a Honey-Mustard Glazed Tofu, substitute orange juice for rice vinegar, ⅓ cup of honey for sugar, 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard for Asian chili-garlic sauce, and 3 thinly sliced scallions for cilantro. This alternative glaze offers a different twist to the dish, with a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

With this Sweet Chili Glazed Tofu recipe, you can savor the delectable fusion of textures and tastes in every mouthful. The crispy coating, silky tofu, and zesty glaze come together to create a delightful and satisfying dish that will impress both tofu lovers and newcomers alike. Enjoy this flavorful and dynamic tofu recipe as a standout addition to your culinary repertoire.