The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
A Bold and Flavorful Vegan Delight
Craving a quick and easy plant-based dinner that’s bold, vibrant, and packed with flavor? Let me introduce you to my Crispy Kung Pao Tofu, a personal favorite and a dish I turn to whenever I want something that’s both comforting and exciting. This recipe takes all the classic flavors of the beloved Chinese takeout dish, the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, savory and gives it a plant-based twist that’s just as satisfying.
What makes this dish so special? It starts with golden, pan-fried tofu that’s irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Then, it’s tossed with crunchy peanuts, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, sticky Kung Pao sauce that clings to every bite. The magic happens when the spicy heat of sriracha meets the subtle sweetness of maple syrup, creating a bold, umami-packed glaze that will have you reaching for seconds.
This vegan Kung Pao tofu isn’t just incredibly tasty, it’s also quick to make, coming together in just 30 minutes. That means it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast but still packed with flavor. Plus, it’s naturally dairy-free and can easily be adapted to be gluten-free or nut-free, making it a versatile option for all kinds of eaters.
Whether you’re new to tofu or a long-time fan, this recipe will win you over with its addictive crunch and bold, restaurant-quality flavors. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a hearty dinner, or add some extra veggies like broccoli or snap peas for even more color and nutrition.
If you’ve been searching for a crispy tofu recipe that’s bold, satisfying, and plant-powered, this is it! Trust me, once you try this Crispy Kung Pao Tofu, it’ll quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Crispy Kung Pao Tofu
Servings
2
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
15
minutesCalories
450
kcalIngredients
- For the tofu:
1 block (400g) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the sauce:
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp maple syrup (or agave)
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- For the stir-fry:
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
4 spring onions, chopped (whites and greens separated)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1/4 cup roasted peanuts
1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the tofu
Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
In a bowl, toss the tofu with soy sauce and cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and fry for about 5-7 minutes, turning frequently, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside. - Step 2: Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, hoisin sauce, and sriracha.
Add the cornstarch-water mixture and stir until smooth. - Step 3: Stir-fry the vegetables
In the same pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
Add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the spring onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
Toss in the bell peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. - Step 4: Bring it all together
Add the crispy tofu back to the pan.
Pour in the sauce and stir quickly as it thickens, coating everything evenly. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
Mix in the roasted peanuts and red chili flakes. - Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Remove from heat and garnish with the green parts of the spring onions.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Extra crispy tofu: Freeze the tofu overnight and thaw before cooking — this gives it a meatier texture.
Nut-free option: Swap peanuts for roasted sunflower seeds.
Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Add more veggies: Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas work wonderfully in this dish.
Nutrition Facts
2 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories450
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
20g
31%
- Saturated Fat 3g 15%
- Sodium 0mg 0%
- Total Carbohydrate
45g
15%
- Dietary Fiber 6g 24%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 22g 44%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
