Tamari-Marinated Crispy Tofu With Chilli And Ginger Sauce

This Crispy Tamari-Marinated Tofu with Chili and Ginger Sauce is a flavorful, nutritious meal that can be prepared in under an hour. Whether you choose to fry or bake the tofu, the combination of a tangy tamari marinade with a spicy, zesty sauce creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a light yet protein-rich meal. The versatility of tofu makes it a great canvas for these bold flavors, and the crisp exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Enjoy this dish as part of a balanced diet, rich in plant-based proteins and antioxidants!

Equipment Needed

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Medium-sized bowl (for marinating)
• Mixing bowl (for the sauce)
• Paper towels or tofu press
• Frying pan or skillet (non-stick or cast iron preferred)
• Tongs or spatula
• Baking sheet (optional, if you prefer baking over frying)
• Whisk or fork (for mixing sauce)
• Serving plates

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Ingredients

For the Tofu Marinade:

• 200g firm tofu (1 block)
• 2 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce if tamari isn’t available)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, for a bit of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger

For the Crispy Tofu Coating:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
• 1 tablespoon rice flour (optional, helps with extra crispiness)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for added texture)
• Pinch of salt

For the Chili and Ginger Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon tamari
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce to your desired consistency)
• 1 small red chili, finely chopped (adjust based on spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (for sweetness, optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions or cilantro (for garnish)

For Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying or baking)

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Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~250-300 kcal
• Protein: ~15g
• Carbohydrates: ~10g
• Fat: ~15g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sodium: ~800mg (depending on tamari/soy sauce used)

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Preparation and Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 15-30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50-65 minutes

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Preparation

1. Prepare the Tofu

• Press the tofu: Start by removing excess water from the tofu. You can do this by wrapping the block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object (like a skillet) on top for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, if you have a tofu press, use it to press the tofu for about 15 minutes. This will give the tofu a firmer texture and allow it to absorb more of the marinade.
• Cut the tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangular slices, depending on your preference.

2. Marinate the Tofu

• In a medium bowl, combine the tamari, sesame oil, rice vinegar (or lime juice), maple syrup, and grated ginger. Mix well.
• Add the tofu pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Let the tofu marinate for 15-30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the tofu will absorb.

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3. Prepare the Chili and Ginger Sauce

• While the tofu is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari, rice vinegar (or lime juice), sesame oil, water, chopped chili, grated ginger, minced garlic, and maple syrup. Adjust the water to get your desired consistency (thicker or thinner).
• Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more maple syrup. For more heat, add extra chili. Set aside.

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4. Coat the Tofu for Crispiness

• In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch, rice flour (if using), sesame seeds (if using), and a pinch of salt. This mixture will give the tofu its crispy exterior.
• After the tofu has marinated, remove it from the marinade (you can discard the remaining marinade or use it as a base for a stir-fry sauce). Coat each piece of tofu in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.

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5. Cook the Tofu

You have two options for cooking the tofu: pan-frying or baking.

Option 1: Pan-Frying (for a quicker, crispier result)

• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the tofu pieces in a single layer (make sure they’re not overcrowded). Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use tongs or a spatula to turn the tofu carefully to avoid breaking the pieces.
• Remove the tofu from the pan and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Option 2: Baking (for a lighter, less oily version)

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with some oil.
• Arrange the coated tofu pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through to ensure even crisping. The tofu should be golden and slightly puffed when done.

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6. Assemble and Serve

• Once the tofu is cooked, arrange it on serving plates. Drizzle the prepared chili and ginger sauce over the crispy tofu.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top if desired.
• Serve immediately while the tofu is still crispy. This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a simple side salad.

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Additional Tips and Variations

• Tofu Texture: If you prefer a chewier texture, freeze and thaw the tofu before pressing and marinating. Freezing changes the texture, giving it a more “meaty” consistency.
• Gluten-Free Option: Tamari is naturally gluten-free, but if using soy sauce, check for gluten-free varieties to ensure the dish is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of chilies based on your heat tolerance. For a milder sauce, you can deseed the chili or reduce the quantity.
• Oil-Free Version: If you prefer an oil-free version, you can bake the tofu without any oil or pan-fry using a non-stick pan with a minimal amount of oil spray.
• Serving Suggestions: This crispy tofu pairs well with steamed vegetables, stir-fried greens, or even as a filling for lettuce wraps or grain bowls. You can also serve it over noodles with extra sauce.

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Nutritional Benefits

• Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s also rich in iron and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet.
• Ginger offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.
• Chili Peppers are a good source of vitamins A and C, and their active compound, capsaicin, may help boost metabolism and relieve pain.
• Tamari provides a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and is rich in umami flavor, enhancing the depth of the dish without adding excessive sodium when used in moderation.
• Sesame Oil contains heart-healthy fats, including omega-6 fatty acids, which support brain and heart health.
• Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and its ability to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.