Mini Spicy Tofu Bites with Chili Crisp

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

Crispy, bite-sized tofu cubes coated in a fiery glaze, ideal for snacking or as an appetizer. This chinese-inspired vegan 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Toss tofu cubes in 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Transfer fried tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  5. 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.
  6. Step 6: Return skillet to medium heat, add fried tofu and glaze, tossing until every piece is evenly coated.
  7. Step 7: Cook for 1 minute until glaze thickens and clings to tofu.
  8. Step 8: Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mini Spicy Tofu Bites with Chili Crisp take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Mini Spicy Tofu Bites with Chili Crisp?

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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mini Spicy Tofu Bites with Chili Crisp?

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 Mini Spicy Tofu Bites with Chili Crisp for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Mini Spicy Tofu Bites with Chili Crisp 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.

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