Crank up the heat in your dinner tonight with this recipe for Chili Garlic Tofu! It's perfect for spice-lovers and it's so easy that you can have it on the table in just 15 minutes.
Jump to:
- Why I Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Possible Substitutions
- What's the Difference Between Chili Garlic Sauce and Sambal Oelek?
- Is Tofu in Chili Garlic Sauce Healthy?
- How to Make Tofu with Chili Garlic Sauce
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Want more spicy recipes? Check out some of my other favorite ways to bring on the heat:
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Reviews
Why I Love This Recipe
Do you like some heat in your food? If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know I do! I love anything and everything hot. My Buffalo Quinoa Balls and Buffalo Cauliflower Mac & Cheese are just a few of the spicy recipes I've shared.
Most of the time I add a small amount of heat to my recipes because I know everyone is not as hot-crazed as I am. Today, however, I have a no-nonsense, lets-get-this-spicy-party-started meal for all you heat freaks like me.
My Tofu in Chili Garlic Sauce is just a little slice of hellfire - in the best possible way, of course. For this recipe, tofu gets pan fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a peppery sauce that's enough to make your face sweat.
That said, if you're not as much of a heat lover as I am, you can absolutely cut down on the spice. This is your dinner after all!
You can also customize this meal by adding some extra veggies like bok choi or broccoli to the mix. You can also omit the tofu entirely if it isn't your favorite and use the sauce on beans or veggies.
But perhaps the best part of this Chili Garlic Tofu? It is lightening fast, clocking just 15 minutes of cook time. For all of you in search of a feisty weeknight dinner, you've found a clear winner.
Ingredients & Possible Substitutions
If a long list of ingredients is a turn off, you're in luck. This yummy tofu in chili garlic sauce requires just 7 ingredients. Here's everything you need:
A few notes about the ingredients to consider:
- Extra Firm Tofu - while I tend to reach for extra firm tofu for any kind of pan frying, you can certainly swap in firm tofu. Just be sure to press it for 30 mins beforehand to remove any excess moisture.
- Chili Garlic Sauce - chili garlic sauce can be swapped for sambal oelek or sriracha depending on what you have on hand. Read on in the next section to learn about how they are different.
- Tamari/Soy Sauce - tamari, a wheat-free soy sauce, gives this dish a distinct umami and salty flavor. If you are not avoiding gluten, you can opt to reach for soy sauce. If soy is off the table, coconut aminos will also do the trick.
- Maple Syrup - maple syrup is my sweetener of choice, but you can easily swap in agave, date syrup or brown sugar instead.
- Rice Wine Vinegar - rice wine vinegar is a lovely, light, almost sweet vinegar that I definitely recommend you keep in stock. If you don't have it on hand, you can sub in apple cider vinegar or even white vinegar, but you may want to add a touch more maple to balance the flavors.
- Cornstarch/Arrowroot - in order to create a sauce that is viscous enough to stick to your tofu, you will need to add a thickening agent. I usually use cornstarch (which you will need to dissolve into a slurry before adding), but you can sub in arrowroot if you are avoiding corn.
What's the Difference Between Chili Garlic Sauce and Sambal Oelek?
I used chili garlic sauce in this Chili Garlic Tofu, but you could also use Sambal Oelek for the heat. The chili garlic sauce I used is a store-bought sauce made by Huy Fong. They have 3 different kinds of sauces:
Sambal is a sauce originating in Southeast Asia and made of hot red chili peppers with some salt and vinegar. It's one of my Vegan Kitchen Staples.
Chili garlic paste is similar to sambal oelek, with the main difference being that chili garlic paste also has - as the name implies - garlic. It’s a chunkier, spicier version of sriracha, with less sweetness and a bit more heat.
If you opt to use Sambal Oelek, I recommend that you add either 3-4 cloves of minced garlic, or up to a teaspoon of garlic powder.
Sriracha will be a bit thinner and sweeter, so you may need to add a touch more cornstarch, a little less sweetener, and about a teaspoon more vinegar.
Is Tofu in Chili Garlic Sauce Healthy?
In a word, yes. Tofu is an excellent source of (complete!) protein with a pretty low calorie count. A serving of tofu also has about 10% of your daily calcium needs! If you want to see me nerd out about tofu being amazing, check out my post on Tofu Nutrition.
The fact that this Chili Garlic Tofu is spicy also has health benefits. Capsaicin (the component of chilis that make us taste "hot") has been associated with positive health outcomes.
In one study, capsaicin was shown to slow the growth of cancer cells. Another study indicates that eating spicy foods 6 or more times a week resulted in a lower mortality rate.
And before you get on my case about using oil to pan fry the tofu, remember that we are using heart-healthy olive oil! This is one fat that we want in our diet. For more info on healthy fats, check out this post where I discuss all the different kinds of fat.
How to Make Tofu with Chili Garlic Sauce
Step 1 - Prepare Tofu
Cut the pressed tofu into squares or rectangles. I cut it in half through the middle first, keeping the same shape but making it thinner, then I cut them into triangles.
Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan and fry the tofu on medium heat about 5 minutes. Flip tofu and cook for another 5 minutes until both sides are browned.
Once tofu is cooked transfer to a plate. Keep the skillet over heat to finish the dish.
Step 2 - Make Chili Garlic Sauce
While tofu is cooking, combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl, whisk, and set aside.
After the tofu is done cooking, add the sauce to the pan and heat on medium until bubbling.
Add fried tofu back into the pan with sauce and cook for 1 minute. Serve and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are hesitant about buying an ingredient for just one recipe, know that both chili garlic sauce and sambal oelek have a TON of uses if you appreciate the heat. Try adding it to:
-curries
-marinades
-tomato sauce
-rice dishes
-noodles
-soups
Basically all of the recipes on this site are intended for you to adapt to your own needs. If the sauce is too spicy, dial back on the chili garlic/sambal oelek sauce by only adding one tablespoon. The sauce will still be delicious, just less spicy!
I love this spicy sauce and want to put it on everything. To that end, this is a great dish for serving with a heaping pile of steamed veggies like broccoli, bok choy or sugar snap peas. I also love serving it with some brown rice.
If you like a bit of garnish, I recommend freshly sliced green onions (both the white and green parts!), toasted sesame seeds or some freshly chopped cilantro.
If I'm being honest, pan-fried tofu is much tastier when it's eaten straightaway. That said, this recipe only takes 15 minutes to make, so it's perfect for even the most hectic of weeknights!
Any leftovers can absolutely be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Want more spicy recipes? Check out some of my other favorite ways to bring on the heat:
- Buffalo Soy Curl Salad - a refreshing salad goes well with the buffalo sauce. If you're not into salads, use these soy curls in wraps or eat them by themselves - they're so good!
- Spicy Sesame Noodles - quick and tasty for an easy meal
- Buffalo Chick'n Rice Skillet - perfect for anytime you want some spicy comfort food
- Thai Curry Mac and Cheese - flavor-packed and creamy
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If you make this recipe and LOVE IT, please give it 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
📖 Recipe
Tofu in Chili Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra firm tofu in water (drained, rinsed, and pressed)
- 1-2 TB extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil
Sauce
- 2 TB Chili Garlic Sauce (I use the Hoy Fung brand)
- 3 TB tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 TB rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Cut the pressed tofu into squares or rectangles. I cut it in half through the middle first keeping the same shape but making it thinner, then I cut them into triangles.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan and fry the tofu on medium heat about 5 minutes. Flip tofu and cook for another 5 minutes until both sides are browned.
- While tofu is cooking, combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl, whisk, and set aside.
- Once tofu is cooked transfer to a plate.
- Add the sauce to the pan and heat on medium until bubbling.
- Add tofu back into the pan with sauce and cook for 1 minute.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional information data is computer generated and only an estimate so it should be used only as a guide.
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
melrem says
I have been making this recipe for years! I love it, it's become a staple in my house.
Mary Ellen says
I'm so glad you like it! Thanks so much for coming back to leave a review.
Jeremy Sallin says
I've been sampling chili sauces and making my own variations for years. This is BY FAR the best chili sauce I've ever had! Well done! Thank you for sharing.
Mary Ellen says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Jeremy! That makes me so happy!
Jennifer Bliss says
You had me at Garlic!!!!!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
Wow! This sauce seems like a great side dish and I can't wait to give it a try! Is it possible to use honey instead of maple syrup?
Mary Ellen says
Hi Agness, thanks! I would think you could substitute honey for the maple syrup. I haven't tried it but I use maple syrup in place of honey in recipes so it should be totally fine.
If you do get to give it a try, let me know! I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Randi Tisdall says
I clicked on this post because I wanted to see what you used for the sauce- I've never bought Sambal Oelek, but it sounds delicious! I will have to try it out soon with some veg, since my system can't really handle tofu anymore:( The video was so cute too!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Randi! I actually use the sauce on veggies too so if you get a chance to try it out on some let me know. I've used it on bok choy so far. 🙂
Mel | avirtualvwgan.com says
I love 'accidental' recipes! They save so much time ;O)
As a proper hot and spicy food lover I cannot believe that I haven't tried sambal oelek!! At least not in my own cooking. I might have eaten it in restaurants without realizing I suppose. I have just added it to my shopping list and will be making this when I get it. Can't wait!
Mary Ellen says
Accidental recipes are so fun! Yes, I know you love spicy so you need to get on sambal oelek!!
Sarah De la Cruz says
I love tofu so much! This looks so amazing—that sauce!
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
This definitely looks like my sort of tofu! Yum.
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Kari!
Jennifer says
I need to buy more Sambal Oelek. This looks so tasty!
Linda from Veganosity says
Yum! I love spicy sauces and this sounds so good. This is such a great recipe for a busy weeknight when you want something healthy and fast.
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Linda! Yes, it's really easy to get on the table fast!
Christine @ Run Plant Based says
Yum, I need to get sambal oelek because we are obsessed with spicy here. This looks perfect, thanks!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Christine! I'm spicy obsessed too!
Kate says
Oh, this looks amazing Mary Ellen! I will have to give this a try as both Andrew and I love experimenting with tofu.
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Kate! If you try it, let me know what you think! I know you have some great tofu recipes yourself. 🙂
Sarah Newman, Vegan Chickpea says
Yes, I love sambal oelek too, or anything spicy! Such a perfect compliment to tofu. I love how you made a chili garlic sauce with such minimal sugar - usually those store bought sauces are loaded with it!
Mary Ellen says
I'm such a spicy person too! Thanks, a little sweetness is tasty but too much is overwhelming.
johanna @ green gourmet giraffe says
It looks lovely but a tsp of the sambal oelek will probably do me!
Strength and Sunshine says
I love using gallons of chili sauce and paste in my asian meals, so good!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
I just got back from the store with tofu, but I just realized I forgot the sambal! I'll have to pick some up very soon. This is such a great recipe!
Jenn says
Yes! Love the looks of this recipe! Chili garlic sauce is so good!
Cadry says
Oh, I love hot and spicy foods too. I know I would be all over this! It sounds like it was a happy accident indeed.
Mary Ellen says
My favorite accident in a while!