Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili and Sesame Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-09 · Updated 2026-08-09

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

Golden, crispy tofu cubes served with a tangy sweet chili and toasted sesame sauce for a vibrant vegetarian entrée. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, drained and pressed, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 320 cal/serving

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Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced

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Instructions

Step 1: Cut 14 oz firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss gently in 1/4 cup cornstarch until fully coated.
Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until all sides are golden and crispy.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil.
Step 4: Remove tofu from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Return tofu to the pan, pour the sauce over it, and toss gently for 1 minute until the tofu is coated and warmed.
Step 5: Transfer tofu to a serving plate, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced scallions on top before serving immediately.