Name: Spicy Garlic Tofu
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 14 oz firm tofu (pressed); 1.5 tbsp cornstarch; 0.25 tsp salt; 0.125 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp gochujang (†); 1 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 5 clove garlic cloves (minced); 1 shallot medium shallot (finely chopped); 2 fresh red chili fresh red chilies (thinly sliced); 2 stalk green onions (thinly sliced); null to_garnish toasted sesame seeds; null to_garnish green onion (sliced)

Instructions

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1

Ensure the [firm tofu] is sufficiently pressed before cutting it into 0.5-inch / 1 cm cubes*.
2

Place the [firm tofu] cubes in a large bowl, along with the [cornstarch], [salt], and [ground black pepper]. Gently toss to coat.
3

Heat the vegetable oil (1 tbsp) in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the [firm tofu] until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Try to not disturb the [firm tofu] too much to avoid crumbling.
4

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the [maple syrup], [gochujang], [reduced-sodium soy sauce], and [rice vinegar] for the sauce. Set aside.
5

When the [firm tofu] is crisped to your liking, transfer it to a plate. Heat the remaining vegetable oil (2 tbsp) in the same pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the garlic cloves (5 clove), shallot (1 medium), red chilies (2 fresh), and green onions (2 stalk). Cook until golden, about 4 minutes.
6

Lower the heat to medium and add the sauce, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes or until the sauce becomes sticky.
7

Add the [firm tofu] to the pan, and stir to coat.
8

Transfer to a plate and garnish with [toasted sesame seeds] and more [sliced green onion] if desired. Enjoy!