Home chilli tofu {bold flavors, light twist}

Chilli Tofu {Bold Flavors, Light Twist}

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Chilli Tofu {Bold Flavors, Light Twist}

A light spin on Chilli Paneer by using tofu and air-frying to create crispy perfection—no deep frying needed! The result is a guilt-free, flavor-packed dish that’s every bit as satisfying as the original.

Ingredients :

  • 1 pound extra firm tofu
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 green chili sliced
  • ½ cup white scallions chopped
  • 1 cup red onion cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 cup red pepper cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup green pepper cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup green scallions chopped

Directions :

  1. Wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a weight on top (I like to use a stainless steel pot) to press out the excess moisture. Then, cut it into 1-inch cubes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine Kashmiri red chili powder, salt, black pepper, ginger paste, garlic paste, vinegar, water, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour. Add the tofu pieces and coat them well. Let the tofu marinate for 10 minutes while you prep the vegetables.
  3. Air Frying Tofu (See notes for alternative)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the tofu pieces in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd them for a crispy texture. Lightly spray oil over the tofu.
  5. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Once done, remove the air-fried tofu and set it aside.
  6. Heat oil in a medium pan. Add white scallions, ginger, garlic, and green chili, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns light golden and aromatic.
  7. Add the onions and peppers and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
  8. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, chili garlic paste, sugar, and water. Pour this into the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  9. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Lower the heat.
  10. Just before serving, toss the air-fried tofu into the pan and cook until everything is heated through, taking care not to overcook the onions and peppers.
  11. Garnish with scallions and serve hot.
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