Some dinners manage to be quick, colorful, and packed with flavor all at once. Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry is one of those recipes.
Crispy golden tofu tossed in a sticky sweet chili sauce, paired with fresh vegetables and served over rice or noodles, creates a meal that feels both comforting and vibrant. The sauce strikes a perfect balance between sweetness, mild heat, and savory flavor, coating every bite without feeling too heavy.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is how adaptable it is. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand and still end up with a dinner that tastes fresh and satisfying.
And once the sweet chili sauce starts bubbling in the pan, the kitchen smells incredible.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Tofu
- 400g firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Stir Fry
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, sliced thinly
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
For the Sauce
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional:
- sesame seeds
- green onions
- chili flakes
How to Make Sweet Chili Tofu Stir Fry
1. Prepare the Tofu
Pat the tofu dry and cut it into cubes.
Toss with soy sauce and cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Tofu
Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
Cook the tofu until golden and crispy on all sides.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Stir Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add garlic and ginger.
Cook for about 30 seconds before adding the vegetables.
Stir fry for 4 to 5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Mix well.
5. Combine Everything
Return the tofu to the pan.
Pour in the sauce and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Watch the video recipe here:
Simple Ingredients That Add Big Flavor
A few ingredients can make this stir fry even more flavorful:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Firm tofu or Urban Platter Tofu
Keeping these staples on hand makes it easy to create quick Asian-inspired meals throughout the week.
Final Tip
For the crispiest tofu, take a few extra minutes to press out as much moisture as possible before cooking. Dry tofu develops a much better texture and holds the sauce beautifully.
If you enjoy a little extra heat, sprinkle chili flakes over the finished stir fry just before serving. The added spice pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sauce.