Craving something bold and packed with flavor? Try this easy Chilli Tofu, a delightful vegan twist on the classic Indo-Chinese dish, Chilli Paneer! This dish features succulent air-fried tofu coated in a spicy garlic sauce, complemented by colorful peppers and a hint of sweetness. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any day of the week!
Budget Information
The total cost of this Chilli Tofu recipe is approximately $12.00, making it around $3.00 per serving for four servings. This budget-friendly meal is not just delicious but also easy on your wallet!
Why This Recipe Works
This Chilli Tofu recipe hits all the right notes: crispy texture, vibrant colors, and a perfect harmony of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Air-frying the tofu not only makes it a healthier option compared to deep-frying but also keeps it light and crispy! Plus, the dish comes together swiftly, so it’s ideal for busy nights. Trust me, one bite of this and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Chilli Tofu:
- Extra Firm Tofu ($2.50): I recommend Nasoya or Trader Joe’s super-firm tofu for the best texture.
- Bell Peppers ($2.00): Use a mix of red and green for color; you can also substitute with any peppers you have on hand.
- Red Onion ($0.75): Adds sweetness and a beautiful crunch.
- Kashmiri Red Chili Powder ($0.50): A milder chili powder that brings vibrant color and flavor; you can swap with paprika for a less spicy option.
- Ginger ($0.25): Fresh ginger adds a bit of warmth; can substitute with ginger paste if needed.
- Garlic ($0.30): Nothing like fresh garlic for savoriness! Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Dark Soy Sauce ($1.00): A richer flavor; regular soy sauce works too.
- Chili Garlic Sauce ($1.50): Adds a spicy kick; can be swapped with sambal oelek or sriracha.
- Green Chili ($0.50): Fresh green chili provides heat; feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
- Vegetable Oil ($0.50): Any neutral oil for cooking.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Start by preparing your tofu. Wrap the extra firm tofu in paper towels and place a weight on top—a sturdy pot works well—for about 15-20 minutes. This will help squeeze out excess moisture. Once drained, cut the tofu into bite-sized 1-inch cubes. The more moisture you remove, the crispier your tofu will be when cooked!
Step 2: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of Kashmiri red chili powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon ginger paste, 1 tablespoon garlic paste, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. This marinade will coat your tofu beautifully, giving it flavor and helping it crisp up! Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and toss to make sure they are all well coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes; this adds so much flavor!
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with some oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated tofu cubes in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded; this is key to getting that lovely crispy texture. Give them another quick spray of oil before cooking them for about 10 minutes, until golden and crisp. Set aside your air-fried tofu.
Step 4: Now, let’s sauté those vibrant veggies! In a medium-sized pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Toss in the sliced white parts of scallions, along with minced ginger, garlic, and the chopped green chili. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns light golden and aromatic. Then, add the chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they’re tender but still crunchy.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons water. Pour this mixture into your sautéed veggies and stir everything together, letting it cook for about 1 minute. This will enhance all those delicious flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Gradually add a cornstarch slurry (made with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed in with 2 tablespoons water) to the pan while stirring. This will help thicken your sauce nicely. Reduce the heat to low and let everything meld together for a minute or two. It should get nice and saucy!
Step 7: Finally, just before serving, add the crispy air-fried tofu into the pan and toss everything gently to coat in the sauce. Cook until everything is heated through, being careful not to overcook the veggies. Toss in some chopped green scallions for garnish, and voilà—you’re ready to serve!
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 208 kcal
Protein: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Total Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 1855 mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Allow the Chilli Tofu to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or a bit more sauce to keep it moist. You can also pop it in the microwave, heating in 30-second bursts while stirring in between!
Serving Suggestions
This Chilli Tofu is fantastic over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or tossed with Hakka noodles for a restaurant-style meal right at home. For a fun appetizer, consider garnishing with sesame seeds and sliced scallions, providing toothpicks for easy snacking. Feel free to layer on your favorite sauces for extra flavor!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
When prepping your tofu, don’t rush the pressing step! The more moisture you remove, the better the texture will be after cooking. If you prefer an even quicker option, feel free to use a pre-marinated or flavored tofu. Always adjust seasoning and spiciness to your preference—you can make it as mild or fiery as you like! And remember, the veggies are flexible; use whatever you have on hand!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular tofu instead of extra firm? While extra firm tofu works best for texture, you can use regular tofu, but it will need to be pressed longer to remove excess moisture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I still make this dish? Absolutely! You can pan-fry or bake the tofu. For pan-frying, heat oil in a skillet and cook until golden brown; for baking, preheat the oven to 400°F and bake on a parchment-lined tray for around 25-30 minutes.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe? Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of dark soy sauce, and confirm that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
How spicy is this dish? The spice level can be adjusted based on how much chili garlic sauce and green chili you use. Feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder taste!
Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to throw in some broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
