Spicy Thai Garlic and Pepper Tofu
If you love tofu and spicy food, Spicy Thai garlic and pepper tofu is a perfect dish to serve as a healthy yet delicious option. The crispy tofu seasoned with savory sauces makes this stir fry a delightful dish that comes together quickly!
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra firm tofu, sliced into large pieces 1x2 inches
- 3 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp garlic
- 1 small jalapeños, sliced small and thin. Seeds removed. Use green sweet bell peppers to reduce the spiciness.
- 1 cup red bell pepper sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 stalk green onions, sliced small
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1+1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar. Use lime juice or apple cider vinegar as a substitute
- 1+1/2 tbsp sugar. Brown, palm, coconut, monk, or white sugar
- 1-2 tsp ground white pepper. Add less for spiciness. Use black pepper as a substitute.
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the tofu. Pat dry with paper towels and squeeze the excess water without breaking the tofu. Slice the tofu pieces into large, thick pieces, 1x2 inch pieces.
- 2
Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add oil. Once hot, add the tofu and cook until the tofu turns lightly crispy on the edges. 4-5 minutes on each side. Use a tong to flip the tofu. Transfer the cooked tofu from the pan onto a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
- 3
While the tofu is cooking, make the sauce by combining soy, oyster, vinegar, sugar, ground pepper, and water. Mix and stir together in a small bowl.
- 4
Turn the stove to medium heat, and add garlic and jalapeños to the oil from the tofu. Add one tablespoon to the pan if there's not enough oil left. Stir and cook for 45 seconds until the garlic turns light brown and fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
- 5
Add the red bell peppers and water, stir, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the peppers are lightly tender. Add a little water (1-2 tablespoons) to the pan to keep it from burning, which helps tenderize the peppers.
- 6
Add the sauce and the dry chilis, and leave the chilis whole. Omit the chilis if you don’t want more spiciness. Stir and cook for one minute.
- 7
Add the tofu and green onions, stir well, and cook for 1 minute more. Add the sesame seeds and turn the heat off. Serve over cooked jasmine rice or a bed of thinly sliced veggies. That's it! Super easy!