Chili Tofu - Instant Pot, Air Fryer, Stove Top

Chili Tofu is a Indo-Chinese dish made with bell peppers, onions, tofu, and tossed in a flavorful sauce that is hot, spicy, sweet and sour. Perfect for busy weeknights dinner or even for a company. Make this restaurant style Chili Tofu at home with this easy step by step recipe. This dish is vegan, nut-free, gluten-free.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS FOR CHILI TOFU

▢ 14 oz FIRM TOFU, cut into 1 inch cubes
▢ 1 large red bell pepper, de-seeded, chop into bite-size pieces
▢ 1 large orange bell pepper , de-seeded, chop into bite-size pieces
▢ 1 large red onion, chop into bite-size pieces
▢ 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced
▢ ½ inch ginger, chopped
▢ 2 tablespoon cooking oil
▢ salt to taste

FOR THE SAUCE / GRAVY

▢ ¼ cup DARK SOY SAUCE For gluten-free use TAMARI
▢ ½ tablespoon PURE SESAME OIL
▢ 1 tablespoon BLACK VINEGAR
▢ 1 tablespoon VEGAN WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
▢ 2 tablespoon CHILI GARLIC SAUCE
▢ 2 tablespoon TOMATO KETCHUP
▢ 1 tablespoon CORN STARCH
▢ ¾ cup water

FOR GARNISH

▢ 2 stalks green onion, chopped
▢ 1 tablespoon SESAME SEEDS
▢ Handful of roasted PEANUTS or CASHEWS ( Optional )

Instructions

PREP FOR CHILI TOFU

Cut the tofu into 1 inch cubes. Saute or air fry the tofu, keep it aside.
Chop the veggies – bell peppers, onion, into bite-size pieces. Finely mince garlic, chop ginger, keep it aside.
Mix all the ingredients listed under the sauce, keep it aside.

STOVE TOP SAUTE TOFU

You will need non-stick pan
Heat a tablespoon of oil, once the oil is hot, add the tofu.
Cook the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side or until light brown in color.
Remove the tofu from the pan and keep it aside.

AIR FRYER FRIED TOFU

You will need Instant Pot Instant Vortex Plus or Air Fryer
Grease the cooking tray with some cooking oil. Place the tofu pieces in a single layer.
Select AIR FRY, set the temperature to 400°F and the time to 10 minutes. Press START.
When it displays “Add Food”, place the cooking tray at the top. Place the drip pan in the bottom most position.
When it displays “Turn Food”, do nothing.
When the AIR FRY is complete, check tofu for desired crispness. If required add additional minutes of cooking time.
Remove the cooking tray and keep it aside.

STOVE TOP CHILI TOFU

You will need a wok
Once you are done with the prepping – chopping all the veggies, air frying or sauteing the tofu, and prepared the sauce. It’s time for this quick and delicious chili tofu stir fry.
Note: Maintain constant high-heat while stir frying for the best results.
Heat oil in a wok on a high heat. Once the oil is hot, add bell pepper, onions.
Saute for 2-3 minutes on high heat, to retain the crunch in the veggies.
Add the prepared sauce, and mix well.
Sauce will start to thicken as it gets cooks, around 2-3 minutes. Add the air fried tofu.
Toss the veggies, and tofu in the sauce to coat evenly.
Cook for, 1-2 minutes, for all the flavors to blend in well or until the desired sauce consistency.
Turn off the heat. Garnish with some green onions, and some sesame seeds.
Enjoy this delicious Chili Tofu over some steamed white rice.

INSTANT POT CHILI TOFU

You will need INSTANT POT
Turn ON saute mode (more), when it displays “HOT”, add oil. Once the oil is hot, add bell peppers, onions. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
Add the prepared sauce, and mix well.
Sauce will start to thicken as it gets cooks, around 2-3 minutes. Add the air fried tofu.
Toss the veggies, and tofu in the sauce to coat evenly.
Cook for, 1-2 minutes, for all the flavors to blend in well or until the desired sauce consistency.
Turn OFF saute mode. Garnish with some green onions, and some sesame seeds.
Enjoy this delicious Chili Tofu over some steamed white rice.

Notes

Please refer to the post for the following

PRO TIPS FOR DELICIOUS CHILI TOFU
FAQ ABOUT CHILI TOFU

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