Are you ready to elevate your snack game with a dish that’s both sweet and spicy? Look no further than these irresistible Hot Maple Tofu Bites! In just 25 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a crunchy, flavor-packed delight that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect as an appetizer or a satisfying snack, these tofu bites are not only delicious but also a fantastic plant-based option that everyone will love. Dive into this recipe and discover how to make your new favorite treat that’s sure to impress at any gathering!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Drain the tofu block and press it between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu crisp up better during cooking.
- Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, and sriracha to create the glaze. Set aside.
- Place cornstarch in a separate shallow dish. Gently coat each tofu cube completely in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be deep enough to cover the tofu cubes halfway.
- Carefully place the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove the fried tofu with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- While the tofu is still hot, transfer the cubes to the bowl with the maple-sriracha glaze. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Tips
- Pressing the Tofu: Don’t skip the pressing step! Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. If you have time, press the tofu for longer for even better results.
- Uniform Size: Make sure to cut the tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and consistent crispiness across all the pieces.
- Cornstarch Coating: For an extra crunch, double coat the tofu. After the first coating of cornstarch, dip the cubes back in a bit of water and coat them again in cornstarch before frying.
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. Frying at 375°F (190°C) is key to achieving that golden brown color and crispy texture without absorbing too much oil.
- Batch Frying: Fry the tofu in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows for even cooking and prevents the temperature of the oil from dropping too much.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t forget to garnish your Hot Maple Tofu Bites with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the tofu bites hot and fresh for the best texture. If you need to prepare them ahead of time, keep the glaze separate and toss just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
