This spicy fried tofu (yet healthy) will make you think twice about ordering a takeaway next time you want something tasty and easy. This recipe takes a bit of time – 40 minutes, 30 if you’re quick – but it’s crispy on the outside, has got crunchy vegetables, and you know it’s not full of sugar.
A Note on Takeaways
I was relatively new to the takeaway scene when I moved to London at 24 and the extent of my knowledge on the matter was pizza and sushi. I was lucky that my mum was cooking almost every meal we ate as kids, and so were my grandparents or friend’s parents when I visited them.
So it was difficult to choose when my new London friends where asking ” so what do you fancy tonight?” How would I know, among the hundred dishes that were listed on the various menus handed to me?
After a bit of practice and (a lot of) trial and error, you can usually find your way around but what becomes concerning is the price and / or what’s in them. Don’t get me wrong I like ordering in and not have to cook, but when I’m sure that my meal is not laden with sugar and that I won’t feel sick afterwards. So at least with this version, you know exactly what goes on your plate.
Garlic Chilli Tofu
However, there are some flavours that are moorish and delicious, and I really think this tofu hits the spot. Even my husband who looooves meat is happy when I make this dish (big achievement I think). The steps are simple to follow, and dinner will be on the table before the delivery would make it to the door. Result !
I made this recipe with rice noodles because they’re easy to cook on the side when you’ve got multiple pans going, and low maintenance. You can easily make brown rice or quinoa for extra protein.
I like to go simple with the vegetables in this recipe but you can easily mix and match with whatever you have in the fridge. As long as you have veggies to balance your meal, have vitamins and minerals, it’s all that matters really.
Method
First, let’s make the tofu coating to allow to absorb flavours and help it go extra crispy. It’s a mix of corn flour with spices and minced garlic + ginger. Then fry it in a large pan and stir often to help fry the tofu all over. Once done, remove from the pan and drain with kitchen towel. Fry the bell pepper and onions, then add the garlic and ginger, add the sauce ingredients. Once it starts caramelising, add the tofu. Mix well, combining all ingredients for all flavours to be absorbed. Serve with rice noodles or brown rice.
You will need:
- Tofu
- Bell pepper
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Cornflour
- Baking soda
- Chilli flakes
- Soy sauce
- Honey or maple syrup
- Vinegar (apple cider or rice)
- Sriracha or chillis
- Vegetable oil
Let me know what you think in the comments when you’ve tried it !
If you want more tasty tofu recipes, check out :
Healthy Fried Tofu
Ingredients
- 400 g tofu pressed (see instructions) then cubed
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tbsp garlic crushed
- 2 cm fresh ginger peeled and grated
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil to fry
- salt & pepper
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cm fresh ginger peeled and grated
- 5 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 red onion peeled and sliced finely
- 1 green pepper deseeded and cut into chunks
- 1 yellow pepper deseeded and cut into chunks
- 2 red chillis sliced, or 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp peanuts
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan.
- Place the whole block of tofu on a plate, cover with another plate and put something heavy on top, like a book, to press the tofu and get rid of excess water. Keep it that way for about 15 minutes. It will help the tofu get all crispy and lovely. Then cut the tofu in cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, add the cornflour, seasoning, chilli flakes, bicarbonate of soda, minced ginger and garlic, and vinegar; mix well and add a couple of tbsp of water to make a thick batter. When all combined, add the cubed tofu and toss well to coat evenly.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu. Fry until crispy and golden for about 7 minutes, then remove and place on kitchen paper to drain.
- In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil until really hot. Add the sliced onion and peppers, minced garlic and ginger, and chilli or Sriracha sauce. Stir fry for two minutes, then add the rest of the sauce ingredients. Leave to bubble until thickened and caramelised, for about 7 minutes.
- Add the tofu to the pan and stir to coat evenly. Leave it there until just before serving so the tofu will remain crispy. If this goes above 5 minutes, reduce the heat.
- Serve with rice noodles or brown rice. Top with coriander leaves and peanuts if liked.
