Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1/2 cup of cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix together the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the tofu cubes out in a single layer.
6. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the tofu cubes.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
8. While the tofu is baking, make the sweet chili sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
9. Once the tofu is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the sweet chili sauce over it.
10. Sprinkle the sesame seeds and green onions over the top.
11. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Total fat: 10g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 21g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of sweet chili sauce, you can use any other type of Asian-inspired sauce, such as teriyaki or hoisin.
- If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour instead.
- Instead of vegetable oil, you can use any other type of neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or grapeseed.
Variations:
- Add some diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms to the baking sheet with the tofu for added flavor and texture.
- Instead of baking the tofu, you can pan-fry it in a little bit of oil until crispy.
- Make the sweet chili sauce spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or some sriracha sauce.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to press the tofu before using it to remove any excess water and help it get crispy.
- Use a non-stick baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the tofu from sticking.
- Flip the tofu halfway through baking to ensure that it cooks evenly on both sides.
- If the sweet chili sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat, place the tofu on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the crispy baked tofu with sweet chili sauce on a bed of rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Garnishes:
Sesame seeds and green onions.
Pairings:
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or bok choy.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Steamed rice or noodles.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the tofu is not getting crispy enough, try baking it for a few extra minutes or turning up the oven temperature slightly.
- If the sweet chili sauce is too thin, cook it for a few extra minutes until it thickens up.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to properly store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
Food History:
Tofu is a traditional Asian ingredient made from soybeans that has been used for thousands of years. Sweet chili sauce is a popular condiment in Thai cuisine that is made from chili peppers, vinegar, sugar, and garlic.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish is sweet, spicy, and savory, with a crispy texture from the baked tofu.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the crispy baked tofu with sweet chili sauce as a main dish or appetizer.
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Region: Thai