Crispy & Tangy Bang Bang Tofu Recipe for Spice Lovers

Sizzling with flavor and packed with a spicy kick, this bang bang tofu recipe delivers a mouthwatering punch that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Crispy golden tofu cubes get coated in a creamy, zesty sauce that balances heat and sweetness perfectly.

Every bite promises a delightful texture contrast between the crunchy exterior and silky interior.

The secret lies in the carefully crafted sauce that brings this dish to life with its tangy and creamy profile.

Home cooks will love how simple yet impressive this recipe can be, requiring just a few key ingredients.

Serve these delectable tofu bites as an appetizer or main course that’s sure to impress.

Get ready to fall in love with a plant-based dish that rivals any takeout favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Bang Bang Tofu Ingredients List

• Extra Firm Tofu: Provides a meaty, protein-packed base that absorbs flavors beautifully and creates a crispy texture when baked.
• Kitchen Towel/Paper Towels: Essential for removing excess moisture to ensure maximum crispiness and perfect coating adhesion.

• Cornstarch: Helps create an ultra-crisp exterior that locks in moisture and provides a delightful crunch.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Delivers a light, airy, and extra-crispy texture that elevates the tofu's overall mouthfeel.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the tofu's savory profile.

• Vegan Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, smooth base for the sauce with rich, tangy undertones.
• Sriracha: Brings a spicy kick and vibrant red color that makes the dish exciting and flavorful.
• Sugar: Balances the heat and adds a subtle sweetness to complement the spicy elements.
• Salt: Enhances and harmonizes all the sauce's complex flavor notes.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides an extra punch of heat and visual appeal.
• Chives: Adds a fresh, mild onion-like flavor and bright green color for a beautiful finishing touch.

Kitchen Equipment for Cooking Bang Bang Tofu

• Sheet Pan: Large, flat baking tray for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents tofu from sticking and makes transfer simple.
• Mixing Bowls: Medium-sized bowls for coating tofu and preparing bang bang sauce.
• Clean Kitchen Towel or Paper Towels: Essential for pressing and removing moisture from tofu.
• Light Weight: Small book or plate to help press tofu effectively.
• Knife: Sharp tool for slicing tofu into uniform cubes.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate sauce ingredient measurements.
• Spatula or Tongs: Helpful for tossing tofu in coating and sauce.

Instructions for Making Bang Bang Tofu Crispy

• Tofu Preparation

Press tofu by wrapping in a towel and removing excess moisture using gentle pressure for several minutes.

• Coating Station

Create a crispy mixture using panko, cornstarch, and garlic powder for an even, crunchy exterior.

• Baking Process

Spread seasoned tofu cubes on a parchment-lined pan and roast at high temperature until golden and crisp.

• Bang Bang Sauce

Whip together creamy vegan mayonnaise, spicy sriracha, hint of sweetness, and a touch of salt for a tangy coating.

• Final Touch

Generously toss hot tofu cubes in the zesty sauce, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor explosion.

• Serving Suggestion

Plate the saucy crispy tofu and sprinkle with fresh red pepper flakes and delicate chives for a vibrant presentation.

Tips for the Sauce & Tofu Texture

• Adjust the bang bang sauce's heat level by increasing or decreasing sriracha, creating a personalized spice experience that suits your taste buds.
• Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and maximize the tofu's crispy exterior on all sides.
• Replace tofu with cauliflower or tempeh for alternative plant-based protein options that absorb the delicious bang bang sauce equally well.
• Prepare extra tofu cubes and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain crispiness for quick future meals.

How to Serve Bang Bang Tofu Like Takeout

• Pair with Zesty Rice Bed: Spread the saucy tofu over a fluffy bed of jasmine or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal that balances textures and flavors.
• Crisp Salad Companion: Arrange the bang bang tofu atop a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber slices and a light sesame dressing for a refreshing and light dining experience.
• Appetizer Party Platter: Serve on a wooden board with toothpicks, extra bang bang sauce on the side, and sprinkle with green onions for an irresistible party appetizer that will wow guests.
• Quick Wrap Transformation: Tuck the saucy tofu cubes into a warm tortilla with shredded cabbage and extra sauce for a handheld meal that's bursting with spicy, creamy goodness.

Planning Ahead with Bang Bang Tofu Meals

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover bang bang tofu in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm tofu in a preheated oven at 350º Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes to restore original crunchiness. Avoid microwave to prevent soft, rubbery results.
• Prep Ahead Strategically: Cut and press tofu the night before cooking to save time. Coat with breadcrumb mixture just before baking for maximum crispness.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Freeze baked tofu cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Crispy Bang Bang Tofu Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Sichuan bang bang tofu delivers complex heat and crispy texture from China’s culinary traditions. Crunchy tofu cubes glazed with chili sauce create an irresistible meal perfect for adventurous palates seeking bold flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15.5 oz (439 g) extra-firm tofu
• ¼ cup (30 g) panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp white sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegan mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) sriracha

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Instructions

1. Tofu Preparation: Drain tofu completely and wrap in kitchen towel, pressing out excess moisture under a light weight for 5-10 minutes to achieve optimal texture.
2. Coating Preparation: Mix cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, and garlic powder in a wide bowl, creating a seasoned crispy coating for the tofu cubes.
3. Cube and Coat: Slice tofu into uniform cubes and meticulously roll each piece in the prepared coating mixture, ensuring full and even coverage.
4. Baking Process: Arrange coated tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, then roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp exterior.
5. Sauce Creation: While tofu bakes, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, granulated sugar, and salt to craft the signature bang bang sauce.
6. Final Assembly: Remove tofu from oven and generously coat with prepared sauce, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
7. Serving: Plate the sauced tofu and garnish with red pepper flakes and finely chopped chives for an additional burst of color and flavor.

Notes

• Tofu Moisture Removal: Press tofu thoroughly to eliminate excess water, ensuring a crispier and more flavorful result.
• Coating Technique: Use a gentle tumbling motion when coating tofu cubes to create an even, consistent crispy layer that adheres perfectly.
• Baking Spacing: Arrange tofu pieces in a single layer without touching to guarantee maximum crispiness and even browning from all sides.
• Sauce Application: Toss tofu in sauce immediately after baking while still hot to help the coating absorb flavors and maintain optimal texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg