Spicy Tofu

Spicy Tofu Recipe from India - Vegetarian Dish with Tomato Paste, Peanuts, and Chile Paste

Region / culture: India | Servings: - 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spicy tofu is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. This recipe combines the creaminess of tofu with the bold flavors of tomato paste, ground peanuts, and chile paste to create a dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Tofu has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries, with records of its consumption dating back to ancient China. The addition of spicy flavors to tofu dishes is a more modern twist, but one that has quickly gained popularity around the world.

Ingredients

2 cups of cubed tofu
1 tbsp of tomato paste
1 tbsp of ground peanuts
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of freshly ground chile paste
1 tsp of finely chopped ginger
1 tbsp of chopped green onion
salt, to taste

How to prepare

Heat oil in a pan and fry tofu until it turns golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat some more oil and add ginger. Sauté for a minute and add tomato paste, lemon juice, chili paste, salt, and peanuts.
Cook until the sauce is thoroughly mixed through and then add the fried pieces of tofu. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until the tofu absorbs the flavor of the sauce.
Garnish with chopped green onion and serve hot.

Variations

Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added texture and nutrition.
Substitute the tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different protein source.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture and allow it to absorb more flavor.

- Adjust the amount of chile paste to suit your spice preference.

- For a crispier texture, you can bake the tofu cubes in the oven before adding them to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spicy tofu over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced red chilies for added color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the tofu ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of ground peanuts for a nut-free option.

- Substitute lime juice for lemon juice if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat and add the tofu before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the spicy tofu in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of soy sauce.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed bok choy or a cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

10g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

Contains peanuts

Summary

This dish is a balanced source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Summary

Spicy tofu is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of bold flavors. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Spicy Tofu. It was many years ago, when I was just a young woman eager to learn new dishes and expand my culinary skills. I had always been a fan of tofu, but I had never tried making it spicy before.

It all started one day when I was visiting a friend who was a vegetarian. She invited me over for dinner and served me the most delicious Spicy Tofu I had ever tasted. I was intrigued by the flavors and asked her for the recipe. She told me that she had learned it from a friend who had traveled to Asia and picked up the recipe there.

I was determined to learn how to make it myself, so I asked my friend to teach me. We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping vegetables, mixing spices, and frying the tofu until it was perfectly crispy. As we sat down to eat our meal, I knew that I had found a new favorite dish.

From then on, I made Spicy Tofu regularly in my own kitchen. I experimented with different variations, adding more chili for extra heat or swapping out vegetables depending on what I had on hand. Each time I made it, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride in my cooking abilities.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family members who were curious about my newfound dish. They all loved it and asked for the recipe, which I happily shared. I even brought it to potlucks and parties, where it was always a hit.

As time went on, I continued to refine the recipe, making small tweaks here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a bit more ginger for extra flavor, or a splash of soy sauce for a savory kick. No matter what I did, the dish always turned out delicious.

One day, I decided to enter a cooking competition at a local fair. I knew that Spicy Tofu was my best dish, so I practiced making it over and over again until I had perfected it. When the day of the competition arrived, I was nervous but excited to show off my creation.

To my delight, the judges loved my Spicy Tofu. They praised the flavors and the presentation, and I ended up winning first place in the vegetarian category. I was overjoyed and proud of myself for accomplishing such a feat.

Since then, I have continued to make Spicy Tofu for myself and my loved ones. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I turn to when I want something comforting and flavorful. I am grateful to my friend for introducing me to this recipe, and to the friend of a friend who brought it back from their travels.

Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and learning new recipes like Spicy Tofu has only fueled that passion further. I am constantly on the lookout for new dishes to try, new ingredients to experiment with, and new flavors to savor. And I know that no matter what I cook, Spicy Tofu will always have a special place in my heart and on my table.