Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili Garlic Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-fried tofu cubes coated in a sticky sweet chili garlic glaze, perfect for an easy vegan main or appetizer. This asian fusion-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz extra firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss tofu cubes with 1/4 cup cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy all around. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Step 4: Return crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat all pieces with the sweet chili garlic glaze. Cook for another minute to warm through.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili Garlic Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili Garlic Glaze?

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 cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili Garlic Glaze?

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 Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili Garlic Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili Garlic Glaze vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes