Crispy Fried Tofu with Chili Lime Dipping Sauce

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 200  F
Servings: 4
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Golden, crunchy, and bursting with bold flavor — this Crispy Fried Tofu with Chili Lime Dipping Sauce is the snack (or main!) your taste buds have been craving.

Extra-firm tofu is pressed, coated in a crisp cornmeal-cornstarch crust, and pan-fried until satisfyingly crunchy on the outside while tender within.

Paired with a tangy, slightly sweet chili-lime dipping sauce that balances bright citrus, a whisper of heat, and a kiss of garlic, every bite is delightfully addictive.

Whether you serve it as an appetizer to share or alongside fluffy rice and stir-fried veggies for dinner, this dish transforms simple tofu into something you'll be excited to make again and again.

It's crispy, zesty, and pure plant-based joy. 

Crispy Tofu:
  • 1 cup avocado or coconut oil (for frying)
  • 14 ounces extra-firm organic tofu
  • 3/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
    • Dipping Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha (or other hot sauce)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove (minsed)
  • juice of one lime
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Crispy Tofu:
  1. 1

    Place the tofu in a tofu press to remove the water. If you don't have a press, wrap the tofu in a clean towel,  and leave it to drain for about 30 minutes or more. You can balance a large can or heavy pot on top of the towels to help the process along.

     

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, prepare the Chili Lime Dipping Sauce. (See below)

     

  3. 3

    When all of the water has drained from the tofu, cut it in half lengthwise. Then cut five strips vertically. Now go back and cut each one horizontally to make cubes. (You can slice the tofu any way you prefer, depending on your desired result.)

     

  4. 4

    In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and chili flakes until well combined.

  5. 5

    Toss the tofu in the cornstarch mixture until well coated on all sides. Set aside.

     

  6. 6

    Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the tofu. The tofu should immediately sizzle as it enters the pan.

  7. 7

    Fry the tofu in 2 to 3 batches, if needed, to avoid overcrowding the pan; otherwise, or may not brown properly.

     

  8. 8

    Turn the tofu continuously while frying just until lightly golden on all sides, about 5 minutes. 

     

  9. 9

    Remove tofu from the skillet and set it on paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

    Transfer to an oven-safe dish (uncovered) and bake at 200° to keep warm, if needed.

    10. Dipping Sauce:
  10. 10

    Whisk together all of the ingredients for the Chili Lime Dipping Sauce in a small saucepan.

  11. 11

    Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sauce begins to simmer and thicken.

     

  12. 12

    Remove from heat. Cool slightly before serving.

     

    Refrigerate any leftovers and enjoy within 5 to 7 days.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 394kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18.8g29%
Saturated Fat 2.7g14%
Sodium 760mg32%
Potassium 250mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 43g15%
Dietary Fiber 1.8g8%
Sugars 16g
Protein 13.5g27%
Vitamin A 35 IU
Vitamin C 4 mg
Calcium 300 mg
Iron 2.9 mg
Vitamin E 1.2 mg
Vitamin K 8 mcg
Vitamin B6 0.12 mg
Folate 24 mcg
Magnesium 40 mg
Zinc 1.1 mg
Selenium 13 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Vegan Crispy Fried Tofu with Chili Lime Dipping Sauce
Read it online: https://sproutfulkitchen.com/recipe/crispy-fried-tofu-with-chili-lime-dipping-sauce/