Crispy Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce over Rice
Crispy pan-fried tofu cubes tossed in a bold and spicy garlic sauce, served over fluffy rice for a satisfying plant-based meal.
- Author: Mariem
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
- 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili paste (such as sambal oelek or gochujang)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes.
- Toss tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Pour into skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return tofu to the pan and toss until coated in the sauce.
- Serve tofu over cooked rice, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- Adjust spice level by using more or less chili paste.
- Great with steamed broccoli or bok choy as a side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: crispy tofu, spicy garlic sauce, tofu rice bowl, vegan Asian recipe