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Bang Bang Tofu

Crispy tofu, air fried or pan fried, tossed in a sweet and spicy creamy bang bang sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes and endlessly versatile.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tofu
  • 1 block extra-firm tofu pressed and cubed
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot starch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil pan frying method only
Bang Bang Sauce
  • 1/3 cup vegan mayo
  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1-2 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
For Serving
  • Cooked rice
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Equipment

  • air fryer or large skillet
  • mixing bowls
  • tofu press (or a heavy pan and paper towels)

Method
 

  1. Press tofu 20 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Toss tofu with soy sauce, then cornstarch, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  3. Air fryer method: cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
  4. Pan fried method: cook in hot oil over medium-high heat, 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
  5. Whisk together vegan mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar.
  6. Toss hot tofu immediately in the sauce.
  7. Serve over rice with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Sauce the tofu immediately before serving, not ahead of time, sauced tofu loses its crisp texture within minutes.
  • Don't skip the cornstarch coating, it's what creates the crispy shell that holds up to the sauce.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket or skillet, tofu needs space to crisp rather than steam.
  • For meal prep, store the tofu and sauce completely separately and combine just before eating.