Sweet and spicy tofu is a delicious tofu recipe that has crispy tofu in flavorful gravy. Pair it with a simple rice or noodles and it’s a delicious complete meal. I love making this for a quick dinner at home. The tofu is tossed with veggies in the gravy. The gravy is a yummy balance of sweet and spicy making it so tasty! You will definitely not think tofu is bland after trying this recipe. It’s also high in protein and filling! Also this recipe is Vegan!

Happy Cooking!

Servings: 4-6 servings

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cooking Time: 15-20 mins

Total Time: 30-40 mins

Ingredients: 

• 10-12 oz extra firm/firm Tofu 

• 1/2 tsp Salt 

• 1/8 tsp Pepper

• 1.5 tbsp Cornstarch 

• 1-2 tbsp sesame/vegetable oil

• 1/2 red Onion cut into small cubes

• 2 Scallions chopped, whites & greens separated

• 4-7 Baby corns cut into thin discs; optional

• 1 tbsp garlic paste

• 1/2 tbsp ginger paste

• 3-4 tbsp Sweet chili sauce 

• 1 tbsp Soy sauce

• 1/2-1 tbsp Sriracha 

• 2 tsp Cornstarch 

• 1/2-1 tsp Salt as per taste

• 1/2-1 tsp chili flakes

• 1/4 tsp white pepper

• 1/8 tsp ajinomoto; optional

• 1/4-1/3 cup water 

Directions: 

1. Preheat airfryer (380F) or oven (400F) to crisp up the tofu.

2. Press tofu for 10 mins at least. Check notes if you don’t have a tofu press.

3. Cut the tofu into cubes and place in a mixing bowl.

4. Add salt, pepper and cornstarch in the bowl and give it a toss to make sure it’s covered all over.

5. Spray oil and toss it again. If you don’t have spray drizzle about 1 tbsp oil over it and toss it.

6. Cooking Tofu:

   • Oven: Place on a lined baking tray and cook for 15-20 mins at 400F. Flip it midway.

   • Air fryer: Place in the airfryer and cook for 13-18 mins at 380F. Flip it midway.

7. While the tofu is cooking, prepare the gravy. In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, cornstarch, 2 tbsp water, salt, pepper, chili flakes and ajinomoto and mix.

8. In a wok or a pan on medium heat add 1 tbsp oil.

9. Once warm, add onions, whites of scallions, baby corn, ginger paste and garlic paste.

10. Toss and cook for 3-5 mins till onions are translucent and the baby corn is half cooked.

11. Add the crisped up tofu and the sauce mixture and toss it all together.

12. Cook it for 3-4 mins till the sauce coats everything well.

13. Add about 3-4 tbsp water as needed to get the gravy to the consistency you want.

14. Cook for 4-5 mins and its ready!

15. Top with the greens of the scallions or mix them in.

16. Serve warm with noodles or rice and enjoy!

Notes/Tips:

• If you don’t a tofu press- drain the tofu water that comes in the container. Wrap the tofu block in a paper towel. If it’s a thin paper towel, double wrap it. Place something that is a little heavy on it that presses it down slightly. Let it sit for 10-20 mins.

• If you don’t want to use an oven or air fryer to crisp up the tofu, you can pan fry each side on a pan with oil.

• You can add other veggies like bell peppers, corn, and carrots if you want along with the ones in the recipe.

• you can use store-bought sweet chili sauce if you want, I recommend making it at home. Click here for the recipe.

• Pairs well with lo mein noodles and veggie fried rice.

• Cooking the veggies on medium heat for less time helps keep them crispy with a bite.