Here’s a list of ingredients for **hot and spicy tofu**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help your recipe rank better:
- **Firm tofu** (or extra-firm tofu for a chewier texture)
- **Soy sauce** (low-sodium or regular for a savory umami flavor)
- **Sesame oil** (for a nutty aroma and rich taste)
- **Garlic** (minced or crushed for bold flavor)
- **Ginger** (freshly grated or minced for a zesty kick)
- **Chili flakes** (or red pepper flakes for heat)
- **Sriracha sauce** (or any hot sauce for extra spiciness)
- **Cornstarch** (to coat the tofu for a crispy texture)
- **Vegetable oil** (for frying or sautéing the tofu)
- **Green onions** (chopped for garnish and freshness)
- **Bell peppers** (sliced for color and crunch)
- **Onion** (sliced for sweetness and depth)
- **Rice vinegar** (for a tangy balance)
- **Brown sugar** (or honey for a touch of sweetness)
- **Sesame seeds** (for garnish and added crunch)
- **Vegetable broth** (or water for the sauce base)
- **Cilantro** (optional, for a fresh, herby finish)
This **spicy tofu recipe** is perfect for those looking for a **vegan-friendly**, **high-protein**, and **flavor-packed meal**. Use these ingredients to create a **quick and easy tofu dish** that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Steps
# How to Make Hot and Spicy Tofu: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're craving a flavorful, plant-based dish, hot and spicy tofu is the perfect choice. This recipe is packed with bold flavors, easy to prepare, and ideal for tofu lovers or anyone looking to spice up their meals. Follow these detailed steps to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
---
## **Ingredients for Hot and Spicy Tofu**
- 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1-2 red chili peppers, sliced (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
---
## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Prepare the Tofu**
- Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy object (like a skillet) on top to press out excess moisture for 15-20 minutes. This step ensures the tofu gets crispy when cooked.
- Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
### **2. Coat the Tofu**
- In a large bowl, toss the tofu cubes with 2 tbsp of cornstarch until evenly coated. This creates a crispy outer layer when fried.
### **3. Make the Spicy Sauce**
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
### **4. Cook the Tofu**
- Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu and set aside.
### **5. Sauté the Aromatics**
- In the same skillet, add a splash of oil if needed. Sauté the sliced chili peppers for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
### **6. Combine and Simmer**
- Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and pour the prepared spicy sauce over it. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the tofu.
### **7. Garnish and Serve**
- Transfer the hot and spicy tofu to a serving plate.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
---
## **Serving Suggestions**
- Serve hot and spicy tofu over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Pair it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
---
## **SEO-Friendly Tips**
- **Keywords to Include**: hot and spicy tofu, crispy tofu recipe, vegan spicy tofu, easy tofu dish, plant-based spicy meal.
- **Meta Description**: Learn how to make hot and spicy tofu with this easy recipe. Perfectly crispy tofu coated in a bold, spicy sauce—ideal for a quick vegan meal.
- **Internal Links**: Link to other tofu recipes or vegan meal ideas on your blog.
- **Alt Text for Images**: "Crispy hot and spicy tofu garnished with green onions and sesame seeds."
Enjoy your homemade hot and spicy tofu—it’s a delicious, healthy, and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress!