Schezwan Chilli Tofu Dry
Crispy fried tofu tossed in a fiery, tangy Schezwan sauce with crunchy bell peppers and onions. This popular Indo-Chinese stir-fry delivers a punch of flavor, making it a perfect vegetarian appetizer or a satisfying main course when served with fried rice or noodles.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Coat the Tofu
- b.Wrap the tofu block in several layers of paper towels. Place a heavy object on top (like a cast-iron skillet) and press for 20-30 minutes to remove excess water. This step is crucial for crispy tofu.
- c.Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- d.In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp cornflour, 0.5 tsp salt, and black pepper.
- e.Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and toss gently until each piece is evenly and lightly coated.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Tofu
- b.Heat 1/2 cup of oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- c.Carefully add the coated tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in 2-3 batches if needed.
- d.Fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crisp.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried tofu and drain on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Sauce and Slurry
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the Schezwan sauce, light soy sauce, red chilli sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Set aside.
- c.In another small bowl, make a slurry by mixing 1 tsp of cornflour with 2 tbsp of water until completely smooth.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-fry the Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Carefully drain the excess oil from the wok, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- c.Place the wok on high heat. Once hot, add the chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chillies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the onion petals and capsicum cubes. Stir-fry continuously for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- e.Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- f.Give the cornflour slurry a quick stir and add it to the wok. Cook for 30-60 seconds until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Add the crispy fried tofu back into the wok with the sauce.
- c.Gently toss everything together for about 1 minute to ensure the tofu is evenly coated and heated through.
- d.Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens.
- e.Serve immediately for the best texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use extra-firm tofu for the best texture that holds its shape during frying.
- 2Do not skip pressing the tofu; it's the most important step for achieving a crispy exterior.
- 3Ensure your oil is sufficiently hot before frying the tofu to prevent it from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
- 4Stir-frying is a quick process. Have all your ingredients chopped and sauces mixed (mise en place) before you start cooking.
- 5Maintain high heat while stir-frying the vegetables to keep them crunchy and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- 6For an even crispier coating, double-dredge the tofu: dip in a thin cornflour-water batter, then in the dry cornflour mix before frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace tofu with paneer, mushrooms, or chicken for a non-vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetable AdditionVegetable Addition
Add other vegetables like broccoli florets, baby corn, or sliced carrots along with the bell peppers and onions.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
Instead of shallow frying, bake or air-fry the coated tofu cubes at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Sauce VariationSauce Variation
For a less spicy version, reduce the Schezwan and red chilli sauce and add a teaspoon of tomato ketchup for a hint of sweetness and tang.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Tofu is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. It's an excellent protein source for vegetarians and vegans, supporting muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Isoflavones
Tofu is rich in isoflavones, which are plant compounds that act as antioxidants and may have various health benefits, including supporting heart health and bone density.
Metabolism Booster
The capsaicin found in green chillies and the spicy sauces can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, which may aid in calorie burning.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Schezwan Chilli Tofu Dry contains approximately 250-300 calories. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific brands of sauces used.