Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that's as vibrant as it is delicious? Dive into the world of Thai cuisine with our Crispy Sweet Chili Tofu Bowls! This mouthwatering recipe combines the crunch of perfectly fried tofu with the sweet and tangy allure of chili sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice and fresh vegetables. Whether you're a seasoned tofu lover or a curious newcomer, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds. Get ready to whip up a meal that's not just quick and easy, but also bursting with flavor!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Drain the tofu and press between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispier texture when cooking.
- Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking and crispy exterior.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook tofu for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning gently with a spatula, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Reduce heat to low and pour sweet chili sauce over the tofu, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly. Allow sauce to caramelize for 2 minutes.
- While tofu is cooking, julienne the carrots and trim the snap peas into bite-sized pieces.
- Divide the cooked rice among four serving bowls as a base.
- Top each rice bowl with crispy sweet chili tofu, julienned carrots, and snap peas.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for added flavor and color.
- Serve immediately while tofu is still warm and crispy.
Tips
- Pressing the Tofu: Don’t skip the pressing step! Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy texture. Aim for at least 15 minutes of pressing, but if you have more time, let it sit longer for even better results.
- Uniform Cubes: Cut your tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking, allowing each piece to reach that golden-brown perfection.
- Skillet Space: Cook the tofu in a single layer without overcrowding the skillet. This allows for better airflow and helps achieve that crispy exterior without steaming the tofu.
- Sauce Timing: When adding the sweet chili sauce, make sure to reduce the heat to low. This allows the sauce to caramelize without burning, enhancing its flavor and coating the tofu beautifully.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables like snap peas and carrots to add color and crunch to your bowls. They not only enhance the dish visually but also contribute to the overall texture.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t forget the cilantro! A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color, making your dish visually appealing and even more delicious.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your bowls right away while the tofu is still warm and crispy. This way, you can enjoy the delightful contrast of textures in every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 309kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
