Mini Spicy Tofu Bites with Chili Crisp

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-18 · Updated 2026-04-18

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.

Crispy, bite-sized tofu cubes coated in a fiery glaze, ideal for snacking or as an appetizer. This Chinese-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs extra-firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving

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Ingredients

14 oz extra-firm tofu
2 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp chili crisp
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup cilantro
1/4 cup roasted peanuts

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Instructions

Step 1: Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
Step 2: Toss tofu cubes in 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Transfer fried tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp chili crisp, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp sesame oil to form a glaze.
Step 6: Return skillet to medium heat, add fried tofu and glaze, tossing until every piece is evenly coated.
Step 7: Cook for 1 minute until glaze thickens and clings to tofu.
Step 8: Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts.