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Szechuan tofu on a black plate.

Szechuan Tofu

Keri Bevan
This crispy Szechuan tofu is a tangy, spicy, sweet dish that's better than a Chinese takeaway. It's vegan and gluten free and can be whipped up in no time!
5 from 42 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
tofu pressing time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 546 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

For The Tofu And Veggies

  • 16 ounces tofu firm or extra firm
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons sunflower, peanut or canola oil
  • 1 red pepper chopped
  • 2 scallions chopped on the diagonal

For The Szechuan Sauce

  • ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes or less if your prefer less heat
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2½ tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1¼ tablespoons Sriracha sauce or sambal oelek
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground dried ginger
  • ½ teaspoon Chinese 5 spice

Instructions
 

  • Wrap the tofu in paper towels and put something heavy on top (like a cast iron pan). Leave the tofu to drain for 30 minutes.
  • While the tofu is being pressed, mix together all the Szechuan sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
  • Pat the tofu dry and cut into cubes.
  • Add the cornstarch to a medium sized bowl. Put the tofu in the cornstarch and gently coat it.
  • Heat the oil in a non stick saute pan. Using tongs, transfer the tofu to the pan. Cook until lightly crispy, turning them over frequently (5-7 minutes)
  • Remove the tofu to a paper towel lined plate. Add the chopped red pepper to the pan and saute for 5 minutes.
  • Return the tofu to the pan, and pour the sauce over the top. Stir everything together and cook for an additional minute, or until the sauce is heated through.
  • Transfer the tofu to serving bowls and garnish with chopped scallions.

Notes

1.Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a wok or saute pan. I don't recommend microwaving crispy tofu, as it tends to go soggy in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 546kcalCarbohydrates: 98gProtein: 25gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 124mgPotassium: 231mgFiber: 9gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 1153IUVitamin C: 63mgCalcium: 244mgIron: 7mg
Keyword Szechuan tofu
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