Why isn't my tofu getting crispy?

The most common culprit is excess moisture. Make sure to press your tofu thoroughly before cooking. Also, check that your oven is fully preheated and that you're not overcrowding the baking sheet.

Can I air-fry this tofu instead of baking it?

Absolutely! Air-fry at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You'll get super crispy results in less time.

I don't have chili crisp - what can I substitute?

If you can't find chili crisp, try a combination of chili oil, red pepper flakes, and a touch of minced garlic. It won't have the same crunchy texture, but will provide similar flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since traditional soy sauce contains wheat. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting tamari for the soy sauce and checking that your Yum Yum sauce is gluten-free.

Chili Crunch Tofu Recipe

Name: Chili Crunch Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 block extra firm tofu; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; A pinch of salt; 1/4 cup Yum Yum sauce; 1 tablespoon chili crisp; 1 tablespoon honey (optional); 1 1/2 cups rice, uncooked; 1/4 cup green onions for topping

Description

This Chili Crunch Tofu is perfectly crispy, spicy, and completely satisfying! It’s paired with a combination of Yum Yum sauce and chili crisp for bold, irresistible flavor. Serve it over fluffy rice, in a salad, or with noodles for a quick and healthy meal. A simple, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknights or meal prep!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chili Crunch Tofu:

1 block extra firm tofu
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
A pinch of salt
1/4 cup Yum Yum sauce
1 tablespoon chili crisp
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Extras for Serving:

1 1/2 cups rice, uncooked
1/4 cup green onions for topping

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Instructions

Prep the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare the Tofu:
Take the block of tofu and cut it in half lengthwise, creating two flat pieces. Using paper towels or a kitchen towel, press and remove as much moisture as possible. The more moisture removed, the crispier the tofu will become. Aim for around 5-10 minutes of pressing. Once dry, cut the tofu into small cubes and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add cornstarch, soy sauce, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to coat the tofu evenly. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth – just ensure most pieces are covered.
Cook the Rice:
While prepping the tofu, cook the rice according to package instructions. Fluff the rice with a fork once done and set aside. (Optional: Substitute with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.)
Bake the Tofu:
Spread the tofu cubes evenly onto the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring once or twice to achieve an even, golden-brown crispiness.
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together Yum Yum sauce, chili crisp, and honey (if using). Adjust quantities to suit your taste for spice and sweetness.
Coat the Tofu with Sauce:
Once baked, transfer the crispy tofu cubes to a large bowl. Toss them with several tablespoons of the prepared sauce, ensuring an even coating. Reserve the rest of the sauce for serving.
Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the tofu over cooked rice, or serve it on a salad or noodles. Drizzle the dish with extra sauce and sprinkle green onions on top for a fresh garnish. Dig in and savor its spicy, crispy goodness!

Notes

Make It Spicy: Add more chili crisp for extra heat if you like it spicy.
Substitute Tofu: For added variety, you can use tempeh or paneer instead of tofu.
How to Make Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb option, grate cauliflower into small rice-like pieces. Sauté it in a little olive oil for a few minutes until tender.
For best results, press the tofu for a longer time if you want it extra crispy, or use a tofu press for convenience.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 320kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 630mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 0mg