This Ground Tofu with Chili Crisp is savory, spicy, and packed with bold umami flavor! Crumbled tofu is cooked until golden, then tossed with chili crisp sauce, tamari, fresh ginger, and garlic. It's quick and easy to make, with just a handful of simple ingredients. Serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious weeknight meal.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly in one pan.
I love serving this spicy ground tofu over a bowl of warm rice. It also works well in lettuce wraps, grain bowls, or noodle dishes. If you enjoy quick Asian-inspired meals with a little heat, this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation!
I love cooking with tofu for protein packed plant based meals. Indian Tofu Curry, Lettuce Wraps with Ginger Tofu, Easy Tofu Soup and Kung Pao Tofu are my family favorites.
Why You'll Love This Ground Tofu Recipe
Quick and easy: This recipe requires minimal preparation. Crumble the tofu, mince the aromatics, and let your skillet do the work.
Packed with flavor: Tamari adds savory depth, while ginger and garlic bring a fresh, aromatic flavor. Chili crisp adds heat, crunch, and a delicious layer of spice.
Made with simple ingredients: You only need tofu, tamari, chili crisp sauce, ginger, garlic, and oil. These everyday ingredients create a flavorful dish without much effort.
Versatile and satisfying: Serve this ground tofu with rice, noodles, or vegetables. You can also use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or a topping for your favorite grain bowl.
Ingredients
Tofu: Extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe. It holds its texture when crumbled and develops golden, crispy edges as it cooks. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Tamari: Tamari adds a rich, savory flavor to the tofu. It is a great option for a gluten-free dish when you choose a certified gluten-free variety. You can also use soy sauce or liquid coconut amino.
Chili crisp sauce: This is the star ingredient! Chili crisp brings heat, savory flavor, and a crunchy texture. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference. Substitute any chili oil if you don't have chili crisp easily available.
Ginger and garlic: Freshly minced ginger and garlic add warmth and fragrance. They balance the richness of the chili crisp.
Oil: Use a neutral cooking oil, such as avocado or vegetable oil, to sauté the tofu and aromatics. Sesame oil also tastes amazing. You can also use the oil that comes with chili crisp sauce.
** I do not add extra sauce in this recipe because both tamari and chili crisp have sodium in them. You can add depending on your taste preference.
How to Make Ground Tofu with Chili Crisp
Step 1: Prepare the tofu
Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess water. Use your hands or a fork to crumble it into small pieces. Aim for a texture similar to ground meat. The crumbles don't need to be perfectly uniform.
Step 2: Cook the tofu
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled tofu in an even layer. Let it cook for a few minutes before stirring. This helps the tofu develop golden, slightly crispy edges.
Continue cooking until the moisture evaporates and the tofu begins to brown. Stir occasionally to cook it evenly.
Step 3: Add ginger and garlic
Add the minced ginger and garlic to the skillet. Stir well and cook for about 30–60 seconds, until fragrant. Keep stirring to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 4: Add the sauce
Stir in the tamari and chili crisp sauce. Mix thoroughly so the sauce coats every tofu crumble. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more chili crisp for extra heat or a little more tamari for a deeper savory flavor.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the ground tofu immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables.
My Tips for the Best Spicy Ground Tofu
For the best texture, remove as much moisture from the tofu as possible before cooking. Excess water can prevent the tofu from browning.
Don't stir the tofu too often at the beginning. Letting it sit undisturbed helps create those delicious golden edges.
Start with a smaller amount of chili crisp if you're sensitive to heat. You can always add more toward the end. Chili crisp brands vary in spice level, saltiness, and texture, so taste as you go.
I also recommend using a wide skillet. It gives the tofu more room to brown instead of steam.
What to Serve with Ground Tofu
My favorite way to enjoy this chili crisp tofu is with fluffy jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the savory sauce and balances the heat.
You can also serve it with cilantro lime brown rice, lo-mein or chili garlic noodles, or crispy broccoli. For a lighter meal, spoon the tofu into crisp lettuce leaves. It makes a delicious filling for quick lettuce wraps.
If you're meal prepping, divide the tofu into containers with rice and vegetables for easy lunches throughout the week. Similar to Air Fryer Tofu, Tofu Sofritas with adobe, Smoked Tofu and Tofu Scramble, this recipe works well for meal prep.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover ground tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a small splash of water if the tofu seems dry. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe container.
For the best texture, reheat the tofu in a skillet. This helps bring back some of the crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make ground tofu with chili crisp ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the tofu ahead and refrigerate it for quick meals. Reheat it in a skillet before serving.
How do I make this recipe less spicy?
Use less chili crisp and increase it gradually to your preferred heat level. You can also serve the tofu with extra rice or vegetables to balance the spice.
Can I use soft tofu?
Extra-firm tofu is best because it holds its shape and browns more easily. Soft tofu contains more moisture and will produce a much softer texture.
Is ground tofu with chili crisp vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan when you use plant-based chili crisp and check that all your ingredients are vegan-friendly.
This Ground Tofu with Chili Crisp is proof that simple ingredients can create an incredibly flavorful meal. The combination of crispy tofu, savory tamari, aromatic ginger and garlic, and spicy chili crisp makes every bite delicious.
It's quick enough for a weeknight dinner and versatile enough to serve in several ways. My recommendation? Make a batch, serve it over warm rice, and keep extra chili crisp on the table for anyone who loves a little more heat!
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📖 Recipe
Ground Tofu with Chili Crisp
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu drained and pressed
- ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce or coconut amino
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp sauce or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu: Drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Crumble it into small pieces using your hands or a fork. The texture should resemble ground meat.
- Cook the tofu: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled tofu to the skillet. Spread it into an even layer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the moisture evaporates and the tofu develops golden, slightly crispy edges.
- Add the aromatics: Stir in the minced ginger and garlic. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Season the tofu: Add the tamari and chili crisp sauce. Stir well to coat the tofu evenly.
- Finish cooking: Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors combine and the tofu is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the heat and serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- Tofu: Extra-firm tofu works best because it holds its shape and browns well.
- Crispy texture: Press the tofu well and avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Spice level: Start with less chili crisp and add more to taste.
- Tamari: Use gluten-free tamari if you need a gluten-free dish. Check the chili crisp label, too.
- Serving suggestion: Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a small splash of water if needed.
Nutrition
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Sonali
This sounds absolutely delicious 😍