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    Home » Recipes » Lunch & Dinner

    By: Allie Petersen · Dated: January 27, 2023·Last Modified: March 19, 2023 ·Posted Under: Bowls & Stir Fry, Lunch & Dinner, Top Recipes, Weeknight Recipes,·This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. ·

    The Best Sticky Tofu with Sweet Chili Sauce

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    This sticky tofu is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with a flavorful Asian-inspired marinade. It's the best sticky tofu you will ever have!

    This is a photo of a chopstick picking up a piece of sticky tofu.

    Why you'll love this:


    • FLAVORFUL: This marinade is like no other! The sweet chili sauce combined with garlic and ginger create a mouthwatering sticky sauce.
    • HIGH PROTEIN: Tofu is a high protein food with 20g of protein per serving!
    • VEGAN, DAIRY-FREE, AND POTENTIALLY GLUTEN-FREE

    If you're skeptical about tofu, this sticky tofu recipe will turn you into a tofu lover! It's one of the tastiest ways to eat tofu and I will walk you through steps on how to make the best crispy sticky tofu. Once you try this delicious recipe, you will be hooked!

    You will love my Crispy Asian Tofu recipe for another delicious sauce. Make it into a buddha bowl like this Asian Tofu Buddha Bowl with Creamy Sesame Dressing.

    This is a photo of a close up of sticky tofu.

    What is sticky tofu?

    Sticky tofu has a "sticky" sweet glaze that is a combination of various flavors of garlic, ginger, sweet chili sauce, and more that is slowly reduced over the stove. It is sticky like a syrupy sauce that adheres to the crispy tofu.

    Ingredients:

    • Extra-firm tofu: I highly recommend an extra firm tofu to create the best texture.
    • Corn starch: This is used to coat our tofu to help it become crispy. Don't worry, you won't taste the cornstarch in this recipe!

    Sauce ingredients:

    • Sweet chili sauce: This is a thick sweet and savory sauce made with red chilis and vinegar. It adds so much flavor to this sauce.
    • Soy sauce: Used to create a saltiness and umami flavor to the tofu.
    • White wine vinegar: This is the sour balance to the salty soy sauce and the sweet chili sauce.
    • Sesame oil: A toasted sesame oil provides a delicious Asian flavor to this dish.
    • Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger provide a lot of flavor to the sticky tofu sauce.
    This is a photo of the ingredients for sticky tofu.

    Is sweet chili sauce vegan?

    Sweet chili sauce is generally vegan. It is made from red chilis, vinegar, and sugar however it can occasionally contain fish sauce so make sure to check the ingredients.

    You can find sweet chili sauce in the international aisle at most grocery stores. This is the sauce I used in my recipe.

    Equipment

    • Non-stick pan
    • Air fryer (or can bake tofu on baking sheet)

    Tips to make your tofu crispy:

    • Press tofu for 30 minutes to decrease the water content.
    • Cut your tofu into smaller cubes or rectangles (½- 1 inch) so there is more surface area to get the crispy texture.
    • Evenly coat the tofu cubes with corn starch. This will give it a crunchy texture on the outside. I recommend shaking your tofu with the cornstarch in a gallon size plastic bag.
    • In my experience, air frying creates the crispiest tofu but baking will still give you a great texture. (This is a top rated air fryer on Amazon)

    How to Make the Best Sticky Tofu

    This is a photo of cut up tofu in a bowl.

    Step 1: If you haven't yet, press tofu for 30 minutes. Wrap your drained tofu in a cloth or paper towels and place a cutting board with the heavy objects on top. Alternatively, use a tofu press like this one. Cut tofu into 1 inch cubes or rectangles.

    This is a photo of tofu with cornstarch in a bag.

    Step 2: Add tofu to gallon size bag with cornstarch and garlic powder and gently shake until combined.

    This is a photo of air fried tofu.

    Step 3: Air fry or bake your tofu (Instructions below). Air frying will make the crispiest tofu in the shortest amount of time. If you don't have an air fryer, don't worry. Baked tofu is still amazing (just takes a little longer to cook).

    This is a photo of sticky tofu marinade.

    Step 4: To make your sauce, begin heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in sesame oil and heat for a minute. Add in minced garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Next, add in white wine vinegar and sweet chili sauce. Cook until it becomes syrupy and thick (~90 seconds).Add in soy sauce and water. Bring it to a rolling boil and cook for ~10 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Your sauce should be reduced by at least ½ to ⅔.

    This is a photo of sticky tofu in sauce on the stove.

    Step 5: Add tofu pieces into sauce reduction and stir until all pieces of tofu are coated with sauce.

    This is a photo of a bowl of sticky tofu with sesame seeds and a stir fry.

    Step 6: Serve with basmati rice, broccoli, and/or stir fry veggies. Sprinkle tofu with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

    Air Fryer

    1. Preheat air fryer to 400F if required with your device.
    2. Place tofu cubes in basket. It's okay if there is some overlap as we will shake the basket to allow for even cooking.
    3. Air fry tofu cubes for ~8 minutes, shake, and then for another ~5 minutes until slightly browned and crispy.

    Bake

    1. Pre-heat oven to 400F.
    2. Arrange tofu in a single layer on a parchment lined sheet.
    3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping/tossing it half way through until it is lightly browned and crispy.
    This is a photo of an aerial shot of sticky tofu with broccoli and white rice.

    Substitutions & Variations:

    • White wine vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar, lime juice, or rice vinegar.
    • Sweet Chili Sauce: Mix together vinegar with chili oil, red pepper flakes, and sugar. See this homemade recipe here (which you can simplify). You could also use maple syrup instead of sugar.
    • Soy sauce: For a gluten-free version use coconut aminos or tamari

    Other additions:

    • Like it spicy? Use some sriracha sauce in your sticky tofu sauce. You can also try chili flakes in the sauce or on top.

    What to serve with sticky tofu

    There are lots of ways to enjoy sticky sesame tofu. My favorite way is with a stir fry.

    Choose your grain:

    • Basmati rice
    • Brown Rice
    • Quinoa

    Choose your veggie(s):

    • Broccoli
    • Cauliflower
    • Bok Choy
    • Red pepper
    • Snack peas
    • and so much more!

    Storage

    • Store sticky tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
    • I do not recommend freezing leftover tofu.

    Pro Tips:

    • Pressing your tofu for 30 minutes will make a huge difference in the texture of your tofu.
    • You can easily double this recipe for meal prep and make different variations of stir fry.
    • Don't rush the sauce. As it simmers you will notice that as the water boils off it will leave behind a thicker, sticky sauce that will adhere perfectly to your tofu.

    Our Favorite

    Tofu Recipes

    Try out these other delicious recipes!

    • Crispy Asian Tofu
    • What to Serve with Tofu: 30+ Recipe Ideas
    • Buffalo Tofu Wrap with Easy Ranch

    Do you like quick and simple recipes? Try out these 30 minute minute recipes!

    ♡ Did you love this recipe? ♡

    Leave a rating and comment below (I love to read them!) Tag us on Instagram with a photo or video of your dish @naturallieplantbased.

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    This is a photo of a bowl of sticky tofu with sesame seeds and a stir fry.

    The Best Sticky Tofu with Sweet Chili Sauce

    Allie Petersen
    Crispy sticky tofu is coated in a flavorful salty, sweet and sticky Asian marinade and delicious served with basmati rice and veggies.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine Asian
    Servings 2
    Calories 280 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Tofu

    • 16 oz block extra firm tofu drained and pressed
    • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

    Sticky Sauce

    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 teaspoon ginger minced
    • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lime juice
    • 2 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
    • 3 tablespoon soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
    • ½ cup water

    Toppings (Optional)

    • sliced green onion
    • sesame seeds

    Optional Sides

    • basmati rice
    • steamed or roasted broccoli

    Instructions
     

    • Start by pressing your tofu for at least 10 minutes (30 minutes optimal). Wrap your drained tofu in a cloth and place a cutting board with the heavy objects on top. Alternatively, use a tofu press.
    • Cut tofu into 1 inch pieces. In a large bag, add tofu with cornstarch and garlic powder. Shake gently until combined.
    • Air fry or bake your tofu (Instructions below).
    • To make your sauce, begin heating a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
    • Add in sesame oil and heat for a minute. Add in minced garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Next, add in white wine vinegar and sweet chili sauce. Cook until it becomes syrupy and thick (~90 seconds).
    • Add in soy sauce and water. Bring it to a rolling boil and cook for ~10 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Your sauce should be reduced by at least ½ to ⅔.
    • Place cooked tofu into sauce reduction and stir until all pieces of tofu are coated with sauce.
    • Serve with basmati rice, broccoli, and/or stir fry veggies. Sprinkle tofu with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

    Air Fry Tofu

    • Preheat air fryer to 400F if required with your device.
    • Place tofu cubes in basket. It's okay if there is some overlap as we will shake the basket to allow for even cooking.
    • Air fry tofu cubes for ~8 minutes, shake, and then for another ~5 minutes until slightly browned and crispy.

    Baked Tofu

    • Pre-heat oven to 400F.
    • Arrange tofu evenly on a parchment lined sheet.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping/tossing it half way through until it is lightly browned and crispy.

    Notes

    Substitutions: 
      • White wine vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar or lime juice
      • Sweet Chili Sauce: Mix together vinegar with chili oil, red pepper flakes, and sugar. See this homemade recipe here (which you can simplify)
    Storage:
      • Store sticky tofu in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
     
    Calorie count disclaimer: Naturallie Plant-Based offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although Naturallie Plant-Based attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 20gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 1827mgPotassium: 444mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 0.3IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword asian tofu, sticky tofu, sweet chili tofu
    Tried this recipe?Comment below & tag @naturallieplantbased on Instagram!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Happy says

      February 20, 2023 at 12:05 am

      Great
      I love it.
      ThankYou.

      Reply
      • Allie Petersen says

        February 20, 2023 at 7:37 am

        So glad you enjoyed it! Have a lovely day! - Allie

        Reply
    2. Leah says

      April 11, 2023 at 6:35 pm

      5 stars
      This was so tasty!! I love the flavors and texture! I made it for Buddha bowl and ended up eating about half of it myself!!

      Reply
    3. Jake says

      May 07, 2023 at 6:33 pm

      5 stars
      Made this tonight with the fam and loved it! The sauce really is the star of the dish—it has a subtle sweetness but isn’t too sweet or overpowering. The tofu crisped up really nicely, too.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Allie! I'm so glad you're here! I'm a plant-based recipe creator, food photographer, and popcorn lover. Here you will find quick healthy vegan recipes that are perfect for the busy individual!

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