Chilli Tofu Dry
Crispy fried tofu cubes tossed in a fiery, tangy, and savory sauce with bell peppers and onions. A popular Indo-Chinese appetizer that's packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight stir-fry.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tofu and Batter
- b.Press the tofu block for at least 20 minutes to remove excess water. A tofu press is ideal, but placing it between paper towels with a heavy object on top works well. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- c.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp corn starch, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp of the soy sauce, 0.5 tsp black pepper powder, and salt.
- d.Gradually add 3 tbsp of water, whisking continuously to form a smooth, thick batter that can coat the back of a spoon.
- e.Add the tofu cubes to the batter and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shallow-Fry the Tofu
- b.Heat 1 cup of oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles and floats to the top.
- c.Carefully place the battered tofu cubes into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- d.Fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried tofu and place it on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Sauce Mixture
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce (around 2 tbsp), red chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and the remaining 0.25 tsp black pepper powder.
- c.Set this sauce mixture aside. Having it ready is key for a quick stir-fry.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Carefully discard the excess oil from the wok, leaving about 2 tbsp for stir-frying.
- c.Heat the remaining oil over high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and slit green chillies. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onion and capsicum. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, not soft.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok over the vegetables. Stir well and let it bubble for about 1 minute until it thickens slightly.
- c.Add the crispy fried tofu to the wok. Gently toss everything together for 30-60 seconds until the tofu is evenly coated in the glossy sauce.
- d.Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped spring onion greens, and give it a final toss.
- e.Serve immediately to enjoy the maximum crispiness.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pressing the tofu is the most crucial step for a crispy texture. Don't skip it!
- 2For an even crispier coating, you can double-fry the tofu: fry once, let it cool slightly, then fry again for 1-2 minutes.
- 3Keep all your ingredients chopped and ready (mise en place) before you start stir-frying, as the process is very fast.
- 4Stir-fry on high heat to get a slight char on the vegetables while keeping them crunchy.
- 5Add the fried tofu to the sauce at the very last moment before serving to maintain its crispiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace tofu with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or boneless chicken cubes. Adjust frying time accordingly.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
Instead of frying, coat the tofu in the batter and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes or air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Incorporate other stir-fry friendly vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or baby corn along with the onions and peppers.
Make it a GravyMake it a Gravy
To make Chilli Tofu with gravy, dissolve 1 tbsp of corn starch in 1/2 cup of water. Add this slurry to the wok after the sauce has bubbled for a minute. Cook until the gravy thickens, then add the tofu.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein
Tofu is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, which is crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The bell peppers, onions, ginger, and garlic are packed with vitamins like Vitamin C and antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and boost immunity.
Contains Isoflavones
Tofu is rich in isoflavones, which are plant compounds that have been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and bone density.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Chilli Tofu Dry contains approximately 250-300 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific brands of sauces used.