Pan-Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili Glaze and Sesame Greens

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

Crispy pan-fried tofu coated in a sticky sweet chili glaze, served atop sautéed sesame-seasoned greens for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs 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 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 14 oz firm tofu and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss cubes in 3 tbsp 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 on each side until golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 2 minced garlic cloves.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, pour the sauce mixture over the tofu, and toss gently for 2 minutes until tofu is glazed and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove tofu and keep warm. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and 3 cups chopped baby bok choy. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until wilted but still vibrant.
  6. Step 6: Plate tofu over the greens, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 2 sliced green onions, and drizzle with 1 tsp fresh lime juice before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili Glaze and Sesame Greens take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Pan-Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili Glaze and Sesame Greens?

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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili Glaze and Sesame Greens?

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 Pan-Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili Glaze and Sesame Greens 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 Pan-Fried Tofu with Sweet Chili Glaze and Sesame Greens 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.

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