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Hey there, tofu fans (or soon-to-be fans)! If you’re craving something crispy, saucy, and downright tasty, this Bang Bang Tofu is about to be your new favorite recipe. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and works for everything from lazy dinners to impressing your friends. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Tofu
- Crispy Goodness: Perfectly golden tofu bites that are crunchy on the outside and tender inside.
- Saucy Heaven: Sweet, spicy, and creamy—the sauce is the star of the show.
- Super Versatile: Snack on it, throw it over rice, or add it to your favorite salad.
- Plant-Based Win: Vegans and non-vegans alike will love this dish. Trust me.
Bang Bang Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
For the Tofu:
- 1 block 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil like veggie or avocado oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup vegan mayo or regular if you’re not vegan
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or less if you’re not a spice lover
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Optional Toppings:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Tofu
- Wrap your tofu in a clean towel, slap something heavy on top, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This step makes it extra crispy.
- Slice the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
Step 2: Coat and Cook
- Toss the tofu in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until it’s evenly coated.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the tofu cubes until they’re crispy and golden all over (about 8-10 minutes). Set them aside.
- Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, maple syrup, and rice vinegar.
- Toss your crispy tofu in the sauce until it’s covered in that delicious goodness.
- Serve It Up
- Transfer the saucy tofu to a plate and sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and maybe a squeeze of lime. Dig in while it’s hot!
Pro Tips for Bang Bang Tofu
- Press It Right: The better you press the tofu, the crispier it gets. This is the tofu press I use. It’s amazing and has worked consistently for years, and I expect it’ll last a really long time.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It’s the secret to that golden crust.
- Heat It Up or Keep It Chill: Add more sriracha if you’re feeling bold, or tone it down for a milder vibe.
- Air Fryer Hack: Toss the tofu in the air fryer at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes. Crispy magic!
FAQ Time
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yep! Just make sure your sweet chili sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
What goes well with Bang Bang Tofu?
Pretty much everything! Serve it over rice, toss it in a salad, or make lettuce wraps.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to get that crisp back.
Final thoughts on this Bang Bang Tofu Recipe
This is the ultimate way to make tofu exciting (and addictive). It’s crispy, saucy, and just plain awesome. Whip it up for dinner, a snack, or whenever you’re in the mood for something delicious. If you try it, let me know how it turned out! And here’s a vegan dumpling recipe you might like that would go well with this.