Best 4 Caramelized Spicy Tofu Recipes
Are you looking for a dish that combines spicy and sweet flavors? Would you like to impress your family and friends with a unique, yet easy-to-make dish? If so, then caramelized spicy tofu is the perfect option. This vegan dish is packed with flavors from the spicy sauce and the caramelized sugar, and it's sure to become a favorite in your household.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
EASY SPICY TOFU WITH APRICOT-GINGER DIPPING SAUCE
This recipe for baked tofu is tossed in cornstarch and ground chipotle chile pepper to create a spicy crust on the outside. While the tofu bakes, a simple sweet and spicy sauce of ginger and apricot is made to help compliment the heat. Serve it as an appetizer or as a quick healthy lunch.
Provided by Chef Mo
Time 1h5m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Slice tofu into thirds lengthwise so you have 3 even slabs. Stack the slabs on top of each other and slice through them lengthwise to make 3 even columns, then slice across to make 5 even rows.
- Lay tofu evenly on a plate lined with a couple of sheets of paper towels. Layer more paper towel on top of the tofu and place another plate on top of the stack. Press out as much water as possible and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Transfer pressed tofu to a mixing bowl and drizzle with sesame oil. Lightly toss to combine. Sprinkle with cornstarch and ground chipotle chile pepper. Toss tofu until it is evenly coated with cornstarch and arrange in one layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake tofu in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Flip and continue baking until tofu is crisp, about 10 minutes more. Transfer tofu to a wire rack using a spatula; cool.
- While tofu bakes, combine apricot preserves, vegetable broth, ginger paste, garlic, and red pepper in a small saucepan over low heat. Heat and stir sauce until warmed and well combined, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Serve tofu with warm dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 581 calories, Carbohydrate 70 g, Fat 27.4 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 23.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 82.3 mg, Sugar 36.1 g
HOT AND SPICY TOFU
Firm tofu, bell pepper, and red onion, all quickly stir fried in a sweet and sour sauce. A word of caution - this is VERY spicy! If you like milder dishes, decrease the amount of pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
Provided by RITALINCINDY
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Onion
Time 22m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat peanut oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Toss the tofu into the oil, and cook until browned on all sides. Once browned, toss in onion, bell pepper, chile pepper, and garlic; cook until just tender, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hot water, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Pour over tofu and vegetables, toss to coat, and simmer 3 to 5 minutes, or until sauce thickens slightly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 306.7 calories, Carbohydrate 16.3 g, Fat 20.3 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 19.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 697.6 mg, Sugar 6.5 g
CARAMELIZED TOFU GOODNESS!
This is so good and has gotten lots of great comments on Heidi Swanson's food blog. She threw this together one night and it was a hit! If you can't handle Brussels Sprouts, try cabbage, spinach, broccoli(cut up real small), or bok choy. I have changed this just a bit.
Provided by Sharon123
Categories Soy/Tofu
Time 25m
Yield 2-3 as a main dish
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Wrap the tofu with paper towels, place a heavy skillet on top and press for a few minutes to remove some of the excess water.
- Cook the tofu strips in hot 12" nonstick skillet with a pinch of salt and about 1-2 teaspoons of oil. Saute until lightly golden, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, if using, and pecans(or other nuts), and cook for another minute. Stir in sugar. Cook for a few more minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in cilantro. Scrape the tofu out onto a plate with a spatula and set aside.
- Now, in the same pan (you don't need to wash it), add 1-1 1/2 teaspoons more oil, another pinch of salt, and turn up the heat to medium-high.
- When the pan is hot stir in the sliced brussels sprouts(they will appear shredded).
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times (only a few) until you get some nice golden bits and the rest of the sprouts are just tender.
- Great served with brown rice or over soba noodles.
BRAISED TOFU IN CARAMEL SAUCE
This is a vegetarian take on a classic of Vietnamese restaurants, ca kho, or fish braised in caramel sauce. Here, tofu, firm and rich, absorbs the velvety sauce and heightens its flavor. Vietnamese caramel sauce - nuoc mau - is easier to make than you might think, though it can be a dramatic process. In essence what you're doing is melting sugar in a pan, then allowing it nearly to burn and finally adding water and soy sauce in order to arrest the process at a dark and golden bittersweet flavor that is at the heart of Vietnamese cooking.
Provided by Sam Sifton
Categories dinner, main course
Time 1h15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Slice the tofu in half along its length and then each portion into two thick slices. Place the slices between paper towels to drain, replacing towels as needed.
- Meanwhile, dissolve the sugar in 1/4 cup water and cook in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until small bubbles begin to appear around the edges of the pan. Carefully swirl the solution, but do not stir. Continue to heat, as bubbles move inward toward the center of the pan and the solution turns darker, 20 to 35 minutes, until the syrup has become a deep, golden caramel color. Carefully add 1/2 cup water to this mixture. (It will sputter violently. If some sugar crystallizes at this point, carefully stir the mixture with a metal spoon. The sugar will remelt.) Turn off the heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Transfer the caramel sauce to a wide saucepan, turn the heat to medium and add the shallots, cooking for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and stir again, cooking for about 1 minute. Now stir in the soy sauce. Simmer and stir until the mixture is viscous and the vegetables are well coated, about 10 minutes.
- Place the tofu in the sauce in a single layer and simmer uncovered for 7 minutes. Using a spatula, turn the pieces over. Simmer for 3 or 4 minutes more and then transfer to a warmed platter. Pour the sauce over the tofu and sprinkle with scallions and black pepper. Serve with white rice.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 431, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 71 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 688 milligrams, Sugar 56 grams
Tips:
- Choose the right tofu: Extra-firm or firm tofu is best for this recipe, as it holds its shape well and won't crumble when cooked.
- Press the tofu: Pressing the tofu removes excess water, resulting in a firmer texture and better flavor absorption.
- Marinate the tofu: Marinating the tofu in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic adds depth of flavor.
- Use a nonstick skillet: A nonstick skillet prevents the tofu from sticking and makes it easier to flip.
- Cook the tofu in batches: If you're cooking a lot of tofu, cook it in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcook the tofu: Overcooked tofu becomes tough and rubbery. Cook it just until it's heated through and slightly browned.
- Serve immediately: Caramelized spicy tofu is best served immediately, while it's still hot and crispy.
Conclusion:
Caramelized spicy tofu is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It's easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you're a tofu lover or just looking for a new and exciting way to prepare this plant-based protein, caramelized spicy tofu is a must-try.
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