Marinated tofu fire cracker style

4 servings

90 minutes

Firecracker-style marinated tofu is a bold blend of spicy and sweet flavors from the depths of American fusion cuisine. This recipe is inspired by Asian pickling traditions but gives them a dynamic twist with sriracha, sesame oil, and lime juice. The dish's flavor is rich and savory, with a hint of caramel sweetness from brown sugar and the tanginess of ketchup. The fried tofu remains tender inside while developing a crispy exterior infused with marinade aromas. Vegetables add freshness and texture, while toasted sesame and green onions finish the dish with a pleasant nutty note. Served with rice, it becomes a complete meal perfect for lovers of spicy and vibrant cuisine.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 306.4
• Proteins: 7.5g
• Fats: 16.6g
• Carbohydrates: 35g

Ingredients

• Firm tofu: 150 g
• Sesame oil: 2 tbsp
• Chili pepper: 1 pc
• Sriracha: 1 tbsp
• Garlic: 2 clove
• Brown sugar: 60 g
• Ketchup: 6 tbsp
• Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
• Rice vinegar: 1 tbsp
• Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
• Red sweet pepper: 0.5 pc
• Green bell pepper: 0.5 pc
• Green peas: 100 g
• Green onions: to taste
• Lime: 1 pc
• White sesame seeds: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Prepare all the ingredients.

2. Cut the tofu into 2 cm cubes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Firm tofu: 150 g

3. Remove seeds from the chili pepper and chop finely. Peel and mince the garlic.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chili pepper: 1 piece
   • Garlic: 2 cloves

4. In a large bowl, mix sesame oil, sriracha, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice.

   Required ingredients:

   • Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
   • Sriracha: 1 tablespoon
   • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
   • Ketchup: 6 tablespoons
   • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
   • Lime: 1 piece

5. Add chili pepper, garlic, brown sugar, black ground pepper and mix.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chili pepper: 1 piece
   • Garlic: 2 cloves
   • Brown sugar: 60 g
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste

6. Add the tofu to the mixture, cover it, and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (preferably 3 hours).

   Required ingredients:

   • Firm tofu: 150 g

7. Remove seeds from both types of sweet peppers and cut them into 1 cm cubes. Cut the onion into the same cubes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Red sweet pepper: 0.5 piece
   • Green bell pepper: 0.5 piece

8. Pour vegetable oil into a large non-stick pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Remove the tofu from the marinade and fry it on all sides in the pan.

   Required ingredients:

   • Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon

9. Once the tofu is fried, add the onion to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until the onion turns golden.

   Required ingredients:

   • Green peas: 100 g

10. Pour the remaining tofu marinade into the pan, bring to a boil, and add the sweet pepper and snap peas. Cook for another 4-5 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little water.

    Required ingredients:

    • Green peas: 100 g

11. Serve tofu with rice, sprinkled with fried sesame and garnished with green onions.

    Required ingredients:

    • White sesame seeds:  to taste
    • Green onions:  to taste