This chili crunch tofu is a quick, flavor-packed dish made with crispy baked tofu coated in a sweet, sticky, and spicy sauce. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet bold enough to satisfy serious cravings, making it a reliable go-to for easy meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy, using straightforward steps and minimal ingredients while delivering big flavor. The tofu bakes up golden and crispy without frying, and the sauce comes together in minutes. It’s versatile, high in plant-based protein, and works just as well for dinner as it does for meal-prepped lunches.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the tofu:

• 1 block (14 ounces / 400 g) extra firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For the sauce:

• 1/4 cup Yum Yum sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili crisp
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

For serving:

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked white or jasmine rice
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut the tofu block in half lengthwise to create two flat pieces. Press the tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel for 5–10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.

Add the cornstarch, soy sauce, olive oil, and salt to the tofu. Toss gently until the pieces are evenly coated.

Spread the tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on the edges.

While the tofu bakes, cook the rice according to package instructions.

In a small bowl, mix the Yum Yum sauce, chili crisp, and honey if using.

Once the tofu is done, transfer it to a bowl and toss with several tablespoons of the sauce, reserving extra sauce for serving.

Serve the chili crunch tofu over rice, drizzle with additional sauce if desired, and finish with sliced green onions.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3 to 4 people.

Prep time is about 10 minutes, cook time is 25 minutes, and total time is approximately 35 minutes.

Variations

For extra heat, add an additional teaspoon of chili crisp or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
For a garlicky version, finely grate one small clove of garlic into the sauce.
For a lighter option, serve the tofu over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed vegetables.
For added crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover tofu and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the tofu in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispiness, or microwave gently if you prefer it softer. Add extra sauce after reheating for best flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply omit the honey or replace it with maple syrup or agave syrup.

How do I make the tofu extra crispy?

Pressing out as much moisture as possible and evenly coating the tofu with cornstarch helps achieve maximum crispiness.

Can I use a different sauce instead of Yum Yum sauce?

Yes, a mild seasoned mayonnaise or a creamy plant-based mayo works well as a substitute.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a moderate heat level, but you can easily adjust it by using more or less chili crisp.

Can I pan-fry the tofu instead of baking?

Yes, you can pan-fry the tofu in a nonstick skillet with oil until golden on all sides.

What type of chili crisp works best?

Any chili crisp with a balance of heat and crunch will work well.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can bake the tofu ahead of time and store it, then reheat and sauce it just before serving.

What can I serve with chili crunch tofu besides rice?

It’s great with noodles, salads, wraps, or inside lettuce cups.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

Can I freeze the cooked tofu?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture becomes chewy after thawing.

Conclusion

Chili crunch tofu is a simple yet exciting dish that proves easy cooking doesn’t have to be boring. With crispy baked tofu and a bold, sweet-spicy sauce, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again, whether for quick dinners or satisfying leftovers.

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