This Spicy Chinese Dried Tofu Snack is a bold and flavorful dish with a chewy texture and a rich, spicy marinade. Made with firm tofu and infused with Sichuan chili oil, five-spice powder, and soy sauce, it’s a delicious high-protein snack or side dish. Perfect for enjoying on its own or paired with rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor – A perfect balance of spicy, savory, and aromatic seasonings.
- High-Protein & Vegan – A great plant-based snack or main dish.
- Easy to Prepare – Simple steps and minimal ingredients.
- Versatile – Enjoy as a snack, side dish, or even in wraps or salads.
- Crispy & Chewy Texture – Baking or air-frying gives the tofu a delightful bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Firm tofu (pressed and sliced into thick cubes)
- Soy sauce
- Dark soy sauce
- Shaoxing wine
- Sichuan chili oil
- Five-spice powder
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Sugar
- White pepper
- Garlic, minced
- Sesame oil
Directions
- Prepare the Tofu – Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into thick cubes.
- Make the Marinade – In a bowl, mix soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, Sichuan chili oil, five-spice powder, crushed red pepper flakes, sugar, white pepper, and minced garlic.
- Marinate the Tofu – Add the tofu cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Bake or Air-Fry
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange tofu on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air-Fryer Method: Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until tofu is golden and slightly chewy.
- Coat & Serve – Drizzle with sesame oil before serving. Enjoy warm as a spicy snack or with rice!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Milder Version – Reduce the chili oil and red pepper flakes for a less spicy option.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Extra Crunchy – Coat tofu cubes lightly with cornstarch before baking or air-frying.
- Tangy Twist – Add a splash of black vinegar for an extra depth of flavor.
- Different Protein – Try this marinade with tempeh or seitan for variety.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the air fryer for 5 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tofu soft.
FAQs
What type of tofu works best for this recipe?
Firm or extra-firm tofu is best, as it holds its shape well and absorbs the marinade.
Can I skip pressing the tofu?
Pressing the tofu is recommended to remove excess moisture, allowing it to absorb the flavors better and achieve a chewy texture.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a medium to high spice level due to the chili oil and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat by reducing these ingredients.
What can I serve with this spicy tofu?
It pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or even in wraps and salads.
Can I pan-fry the tofu instead of baking or air-frying?
Yes, you can pan-fry it over medium heat with a little oil until golden and slightly crispy on all sides.
What’s the difference between soy sauce and dark soy sauce?
Dark soy sauce is thicker and has a slightly sweeter, richer flavor than regular soy sauce. It also gives the tofu a deep color.
How do I make this dish oil-free?
Omit the chili oil and sesame oil, and use a little vegetable broth in the marinade instead.
Can I use tofu skin instead of firm tofu?
Yes, tofu skin (yuba) can be used for a different texture. Cut it into strips and marinate before cooking.
Can I meal-prep this dish?
Yes! You can marinate the tofu in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking or air-frying.
How do I get the tofu extra crispy?
For an extra crispy texture, toss the marinated tofu in cornstarch before baking or air-frying.
Conclusion
This Spicy Chinese Dried Tofu Snack is a bold and flavorful dish with a perfect balance of heat, umami, and aromatic spices. Whether enjoyed as a snack or served with rice, it’s an easy, high-protein recipe that’s both satisfying and delicious. Try it today for a spicy, chewy tofu experience!
