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–+ servings
Crispy Szechuan Tofu

Crispy Szechuan Tofu That'll Change Your Dinner Game

This Crispy Szechuan Tofu is a flavorful vegan dish that offers a culinary adventure with tangy, spicy, and sweet notes.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tofu
  • 1 block Firm or Extra Firm Tofu Ensure it's pressed and drained
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch Can substitute with arrowroot powder
  • 3 tablespoons Oil (Sunflower, Peanut, or Canola) Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Tamari or Soy Sauce Use tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes Adjust based on spice preference
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper White pepper can be used for milder taste
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup Brown sugar or agave syrup can substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha or Sambal Oelek Substitute with another hot sauce if desired
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a suitable replacement
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced garlic or garlic powder works too
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Dried Ginger Fresh ginger is great, just reduce quantity
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice Can omit if unavailable
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Red Pepper Substitute with bell peppers or preferred veggies
  • 2 stalks Scallions Green onions or chives can be an alternative

Equipment

  • sauté pan
  • Medium Bowl
  • heavy object for pressing

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Press the Tofu: Wrap tofu in paper towels, place a heavy object on top, and let sit for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare Szechuan Sauce: Mix tamari, chili flakes, black pepper, maple syrup, Sriracha, rice wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried ginger, and Chinese 5 spice in a bowl.
  3. Cube the Tofu: Pat dry, slice tofu into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
  4. Coat Tofu: In a bowl, coat tofu cubes with cornstarch, shaking off excess.
  5. Fry the Tofu: Heat oil in a sauté pan and fry coated tofu until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add red pepper and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
  7. Combine Tofu and Sauce: Return tofu to pan, pour sauce over and toss gently.
  8. Serve: Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with chopped scallions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Perfectly press the tofu to ensure a crispy texture and customize with additional vegetables as desired.

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