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Sweet Chili Tofu Balls Recipe

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4.3 from 15 reviews

These Sweet Chili Tofu Balls feature crispy air-fried tofu spheres tossed in a flavorful homemade sweet and spicy glaze made with gochujang, vinegar, and sesame oil. Perfectly balanced with a hint of heat and sweetness, this Asian-inspired dish is great served over steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Sweet Chili Sauce

  • 1/4 cup water, plus 1-2 tbsp more to adjust consistency
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or regular white vinegar

Tofu Balls

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 15 pieces air fried tofu balls (homemade or store-bought)

For Serving

  • Chopped green onions or scallions for topping
  • Sesame seeds for topping
  • Steamed rice or noodles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Chili Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the water, gochujang, tomato ketchup, sesame oil, sesame seeds, sugar, and rice vinegar. Adjust the consistency by adding an extra 1-2 tablespoons of water if desired.
  2. Sauté Garlic: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until aromatic and lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the prepared sweet chili sauce into the pan with the garlic. Let it simmer over medium heat until it boils and begins to thicken, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add Tofu Balls: Add the air-fried tofu balls into the simmering sauce. Gently mix to coat the tofu balls evenly with the sauce.
  5. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the glaze is too thick for your preference, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin it out while cooking.
  6. Cook to Coat: Let the tofu balls cook in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are completely coated and heated through.
  7. Serve: Turn off the heat. Transfer tofu balls to a plate, top with chopped green onions and additional sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm with steamed rice or noodles and enjoy.

Notes

  • You can use store-bought or homemade air-fried tofu balls as preferred.
  • Adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce to your taste by tweaking sugar or gochujang amounts.
  • If you prefer a runnier sauce, add more water gradually and stir well.
  • For extra crunch, air fry the tofu balls until crispy before adding the sauce.
  • This recipe serves 2 people and pairs well with steamed rice or your favorite noodles.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian, East Asian, Fusion, Korean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/sweet-chili-tofu-balls-recipe/