15-Minute Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini– a fast and easy weeknight dinner that is vegan and gluten-free. Not a fan of tofu? Try this, then tell us what you think. I bet you’ll have a change of heart- I know, I’ve done studies! 

Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.comDon’t surrender your loneliness so quickly. Let it cut more deep. Let it ferment and season you as few human or even divine ingredients can. ~Hafiz~

Here is one of my favorite ways to prepare tofu for dinner. Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini – it’s really fast, like 15 minutes fast, healthy and super flavorful. If you’ve never been a fan of tofu, I want you to do me a favor, make this. Just as an experiment. Or if you’ve got someone in your house that doesn’t like tofu, experiment on them. Hee hee. 😉

Don’t tell them what you are making though – just cook it up, letting the delicious aromas waft through the house, then set it down in front of them and see what happens. If you or they still don’t like tofu after trying this, then I suppose I’ll let you off the hook. And, if there is absolutely no convincing you, you can make this same dish, substituting salmon or even chicken, adjusting the cooking times. The flavor will delight.

The tofu is seared in oil infused with whole garlic cloves. It’s topped with a flavorful sweet & spicy sauce made with chili sauce, honey  (or maple)  and soy sauce (or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos). While the tofu is searing, the broccolini is steaming. The whole meal literally takes 15 minutes to make, and once it’s done you have a vegan, gluten-free dinner that is also very economical. For added flavor, add strands of toasted seaweed as a finishing touch.

Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

What type of tofu to use:

When choosing tofu, always try to go with organic, non-GMO. Soybean crops are often treated heavily with glyphosates (toxic herbicides like Round-Up) and these will end up in the final product, which causes inflammation in the body.

There are many types of tofu. Regular raw tofu, like you see here, Silken Tofu in a vacuum-sealed carton (that is not refrigerated), and prepared tofu-like baked tofu, smoked tofu or seasoned tofu.

Use regular raw organic tofu, extra-firm, or regular raw tofu that has been made from sprouted soybeans (above).

Trader Joes Sprouted Tofu- and a recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

How to make Garlic Chili Tofu

Blot tofu dry with paper towels, pressing down gently to release water. No need to overly press; just a gently press is perfect.

 

Trader Joe's Sprouted Tofu...and a tasty recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

Cut it into  ¾ inch thick slices.

Blot again.  Trader Joe's Sprouted Tofu...and a tasty recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add peanut oil, which really gives this the BEST flavor. If you don’t have peanut oil, use coconut oil, but the peanut oil is truly delicious.

Directly into the hot oil, add the salt, pepper and smashed garlic. Swirl until fragrant.

A Tasty recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

Then add the tofu, searing until golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side.

Don’t fiddle with it. When the tofu creates a crispy crust, it will naturally release itself from the pan.

Using a thin metal spatula really helps here.

A Tasty recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

At the same time, place a pot with a steamer basket and water on the stove. Add the broccolini (or halved Brussels sprouts, broccoli florets, or green beans) and cover.  Steam until tender but still green, about 5  minutes.

A Tasty recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

Turn the heat off when veggies are bright vibrant green and slightly tender.

A Tasty recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

A Tasty recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

Make the Chili Garlic sauce:

While these are both on the stove, mix together the quick sauce.

A Tasty recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

Simply mix with a spoon. Salty- spicy-sweet perfection.

A Tasty recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

If you have toasted nori (seaweed), cut it into thin strips for a garnish.

You can also sub cilantro.

A Tasty recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

When the tofu is done, divide the tofu between two plates.

Discard the garlic and add the broccolini to the same skillet, tossing to coat. Add sesame seeds.

A Tasty recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

Divide the broccolini between the two plates.

Top the tofu with the flavorful Garlic Chili Sauce.

A Tasty recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

Sprinkle with seaweed.

A Tasty recipe for Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a delicious and fast, 15 minute dinner that is vegan and gluten free. Healthy & Yummy! | www.feastingathome.com

And see if you like it. 🙂

Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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Chili Garlic Tofu with Broccolini

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 22 reviews

Description

15-Minute Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini- a fast and easy weeknight dinner that is vegan and gluten-free. Not a fan of tofu? Try this, then tell me what you think. I bet you’ll have a change of heart- I know, I’ve done studies!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 812 ounces extra-firm tofu (see notes)
  • 2 Tablespoons peanut oil (this really adds great flavor, but feel free to substitute coconut oil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked peppercorns
  • 4 smashed garlic cloves
  • 8 ounces broccolini – or substitute halved or shredded Brussel sprouts, broccoli florets, or green beans
  • 1 Tablespoon Chili Garlic paste or Sambal Olek
  • 2 Tablespoons agave, maple or Honey (honey is not vegan, but has the best flavor here)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Bragg Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce
  • Garnish – 2 small sheets roasted seaweed, sliced into thin strips (optional)
  • 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Drain and blot tofu with paper towels and cut into half-inch thick pieces. Blot again.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add salt, pepper and smashed garlic, directly in the skillet. Swirl and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Sear tofu until golden brown, over medium heat, about 5 minutes each side- do not fiddle with it, let it develop a crust, that way it will release itself from the pan and not stick.
  5. At the same time, fill a medium pot with ¾ inch of water, and set on the stove. Place a steamer basket inside and layer up the broccolini. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Steam for 5 minutes or desired doneness – less for green beans, use your own judgment 😉
  6. Mix the chili sauce, honey and soy sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
  7. Cut the seaweed strips.
  8. When the tofu is done, divide among two plates.
  9. With tongs, move the garlic from the skillet, transfer the broccolini to the skillet and give it a good stir to coat.
  10. Add the toasted sesame seeds, and stir for one minute over medium heat. Divide among the plates.
  11. Drizzle the tofu with the chili sauce and top with the seaweed strands.
  12. Eat immediately.

Notes

  1.  I love Trader Joe’s Organic Sprouted Tofu, or feel free to substitute salmon or chicken, searing in the pan and finishing in the oven, adding the sauce after.
  2. If you like your tofu extra crispy, dredge in cornstarch before searing for extra crunch. 😉

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 358
  • Sugar: 21.6 g
  • Sodium: 1034.5 mg
  • Fat: 22.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31.1 g
  • Fiber: 4.4 g
  • Protein: 14.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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Comments

  1. What a fantastic way to handle tofu. Turns out I have been over-pressing my tofu. I followed your recipe as set out and my hubby and me both noticed the texture of the tofu was lot meatier. What I’m saying is, it was great, not dry and yet it still cooked up crispy. We like the sauce a lot, it’s very savory, so this time I made a little extra for our veggies and extra for dipping. 😊 Thank you for sharing this simple way to handle tofu and of course the recipe itself. And thank you for the information on what Types of Tofu to purchase.” I did not know about the Roundup part and we eat a fair amount of Tofu. Kindly, Sissy






  2. one of traders long time & best customers, from east side Cleveland store to Gainesville, Fl. She is the long-time tofu chef of the house, She is gone til 4pm and I needed the help that I found here. I also grabbed a broccoli floweret a
    & Organic baby spinach, organic bella mushrooms for a garnish! Ole restaurant guy here also that still loves being in the hot-seat! I always thank the staff in Gainesville for their cleanliness & pricing so great, in these tuff years for everyone.






  3. This is the best tofu recipe I’ve ever tried, I make it almost every week!! Even my dad who claimed he didn’t like tofu loves it now!






  4. This looks delish. I don’t know if anyone has said this but honey isn’t vegan so you should offer an alternative if you’re promoting this as a vegan recipe as it could confuse a non vegan cooking for a vegan.

  5. Wonderful, quick meal made with pantry staples. (I subbed frozen broccoli) I also dredged with cornstarch and think that’s worth the tiny bit of extra effort. This will definitely be on rotation.






  6. This recipe is truly a winner! I hate tofu but I am trying to be vegan. This was going to be my last shot at tofu. I took Sylvia’s challenge to test it out and.serve it to my tofu hating family and guess what?!!!! They loved it!!! It truly is a winner! My teenage picky eater ate it up, my middle schooler thought the garlic sauce was too spicy but loved the seared tofu with an Asian sweet chili sauce. Grandpa said he was still suspicious of tofu but he loved the garlic chili sauce so much he ate every bite. My husband wants it again tomorrow! Ha ha! Sylvia has done it again! Thank you for such a great recipe!❤






  7. Looks amazing can’t wait to try! How would you reheat if made ahead? Wondering if the tofu would still be crispy if I reheat in the micro. Thanks for so many great recipes!

  8. I have to echo the other comments. Even for meat eaters, this was a delightful and easy dish! I doubled the sauce and added furikake to brussels sprouts. Another winner!






  9. Wonderful, thank you. I added siracha to the sauce for extra bite and put it over some Trader Joe’s califlower Gnocchi.






  10. First tofu focused recipe I’ve ever liked. Partner who turns his nose up at the word tofu threw down. Loved the sauce for it, for sure. But the coolest part was learning a new way to cook broccolini quickly. Thank you for sharing the noms and expertise!






  11. In the past when I’ve made a recipe involving tofu, 10 out of 10 times, the family would politely say it was very good but nobody would go near the left overs – and coincidentally there was always a lot left over.
    Yesterday it was dinner for two so I made this dish and my husband liked it so much he asked for more. I asked my son to try it on his way out and his reaction when I told him it was tofu was priceless!
    So easy to make, so full of flavor- I’m making this again next week!






  12. I stumbled upon this recipe when I was searching for something quick, healthy, and did not require a ton of ingredients. And OMG, so good. Not only was it super easy, but it was super delicious. I ended up making it 3 days in a row 🙂






  13. This was soooo good! Super easy, healthy and I love the toasted sesame seeds. Thank you!!






  14. OK so I am a die hard meat eater and havent tried tofu before. Im going vegan for the health benefits and thought this was a good place to start. WOW that sauce is amazing. The tofu took a few goes to get used to but load it up with the sauce and you are on a winner. Thanks for the recipe – Im trying your others now!






    1. Awesome Richard!!! This made smile and I’m so happy you gave this a go! Very brave! 😉 Thanks for sharing and appreciate the comment so much. All the best to you on you health journey!

  15. I made this the other night and it made a believer out of the wife and me. We will be trying other tofu dishes because of this. Thanks Sylvia!






    1. Make sure cast iron is well oiled, and that the oil is hot with you put it in. It may stick initially, but it should release after a couple minutes, after it forms a little crust.

        1. Made this tonight, it’s delicious, healthy and truly quick to put together! The only thing I’d change next time is to use less chili garlic sauce (it was a little hot for my taste). Definitely a keeper for our weeknight meal rotation list. Thanks for another great recipe!






  16. Ah yes, tofu is such a delicious and versatile protein! I love this preparation because it’s simple to remember for a weeknight meal, and it’s full of flavor. Great recipe!

  17. I’m finally starting to incorporate tofu in my diet and I am trying to find different ways to prepare it! I definitely am saving this for later because that garlic and chili sauce sounds like a really delicious way to cook it!

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