Chili Oil Steamed Tofu with Scallions
Silky firm tofu steamed to perfection and finished with a vibrant chili oil sauce and fresh scallion garnish for a simple, fiery vegetarian delight. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cut into 1/2-inch cubes firm tofu, finely sliced scallions, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, cut into 1/2-inch cubes firm tofu
- 3, finely sliced scallions
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chili oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Place tofu cubes in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper and steam over boiling water for 10 minutes until tender.
- Step 2: While tofu steams, whisk together chili oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 3: Remove tofu from steamer, place on a serving plate, and pour the chili sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chili Oil Steamed Tofu with Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Chili Oil Steamed Tofu with Scallions?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep finely sliced scallions from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chili Oil Steamed Tofu with Scallions?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chili Oil Steamed Tofu with Scallions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Chili Oil Steamed Tofu with Scallions vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to vegetarian dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
