Garlic Chili Tofu with Sesame Broccolini (2024)

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!

Don’t surrender your lonelinessso quickly.Let it cut more deep.Let it ferment and season youas few humanor 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.

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).

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.

Cut it into ¾ inch thick slices.

Blot again.

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.

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.

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.

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

Make the Chili Garlic sauce:

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

• chili garlic paste
• soy sauce or liquid aminos
• agave, maple or honey ( honey is not vegan but tastes great here)

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

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

You can also sub cilantro.

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.

Divide the broccolini between the two plates.

Top the tofu with the flavorful Garlic Chili Sauce.

Sprinkle with seaweed.

And see if you like it. 🙂

Let us know what you think in the comments below!

More Recipes we think you’ll enjoy!

• Pasta with Broccolini, Preserved Lemon and Chickpeas
• Roasted Broccoli Salad
• How to make Crispy Tofu
• Tofu Bacon
• Baked Tofu with 3 Flavorful Marinades!

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