Spicy Sweet Chili Tofu Udon

This Spicy Sweet Chili Tofu Udon Bowl brings together crispy tofu, tender vegetables, and silky noodles tossed in a sticky and satisfying sauce. It is my favorite answer when I crave something cozy yet vibrant for a weeknight dinner or a leisurely lunch. The combination of crunchy tofu and the sauce makes it especially delicious and comforting.

The combination of bold flavors and textures just works every single time. I first tried this when my best friend visited and it instantly became both of our go-to comfort meals.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu The hearty base of this dish absorbs flavor and crisps well Make sure it is firm and pressed to remove excess liquid
• Cornstarch Helps create a crunchy coating on tofu Go for a very fine option for best texture
• Green bell pepper Brings freshness and a mild bitterness Pick one with tight glossy skin for crunch
• Red bell pepper Adds sweetness and color Look for a pepper that feels heavy for its size
• Red onion Lends a gentle bite and color Make sure it is firm with shiny outer skin
• Vegetable oil Neutral and ideal for frying tofu Choose a high smoke point oil to ensure crispiness
• Udon noodles Thick and chewy with a soft bite Fresh or frozen work equally well
• Sweet chili sauce The key flavor component Look for brands without artificial ingredients
• Soy sauce Introduces umami and saltiness Go for low sodium for more control of taste
• Sesame oil Deepens the dish Pick toasted oil for a nutty undertone
• Chili flakes or sriracha Add heat to taste Adjust spice to your preference
• Green onion and cilantro Brighten everything up Select vibrant greens for best flavor and color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Press and Cube Tofu:

Cut the tofu into even cubes after pressing for at least 15 minutes to remove water Pat dry well for the crispiest texture

Dredge in Cornstarch:

Toss cubed tofu thoroughly in cornstarch until fully coated Gently shake off excess

Fry Tofu:

Heat oil in a nonstick pan Over medium heat fry tofu cubes spacing them out so each side crisps up Let each side turn golden brown before flipping Drain on paper towels

Sauté Vegetables:

Once tofu is done use the same pan Sauté green and red bell pepper with red onion over medium-high heat Keep stirring and cook until they are tender but still slightly crisp about four to five minutes

Mix Sauce and Noodles:

Toss the prepared udon noodles into the pan with veggies Pour in the sweet chili sauce soy sauce sesame oil and chili flakes Stir well until noodles and vegetables are coated evenly and sauce thickens enough to coat each strand

Combine and Garnish:

Add the crispy tofu back on top Give everything a gentle toss off the heat Top your bowl with lots of chopped green onion and fresh cilantro

Save

The sweet chili sauce is my favorite—it ties everything together with its hint of garlic and heat I once made a double batch just for the sauce and kept it for dipping spring rolls It takes the whole bowl to the next level

Storage Tips

This dish holds up well in the fridge for two days Store the tofu and noodles separately if possible to keep the tofu crisp Reheat in a dry skillet to revive the texture

Ingredient Substitutions

No udon noodles Swap in thick rice noodles or even spaghetti You can use tamari for gluten free needs Swap bell peppers for snap peas or carrots if that is what you have They all bring sweetness and bite

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with an extra splash of sweet chili sauce A wedge of lime brightens the flavors fantastic if you enjoy a citrus pop You can double the veggies or add steamed edamame for a protein boost

Cultural Context

Udon noodles are a staple of Japanese cuisine but this dish takes some inspiration from pan Asian stir fries The crispy tofu mimics the texture of fried chicken in many Asian takeout classics while the sweet chili sauce brings a touch of Thai flavor

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve crispy tofu for this bowl?

Press the tofu well, cut it into cubes, dredge in cornstarch, then fry until all sides are golden and crisp.

→ Can I use other vegetables instead of bell peppers?

Yes, add or substitute vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra crunch or color.

→ What makes the sauce sweet and spicy?

The sweet chili sauce adds both sweetness and spice, while additional chili flakes or sriracha provides more heat.

→ Can other noodles be used instead of udon?

While udon gives a chewy texture, soba or rice noodles can also work nicely in this dish.

→ How can I make this bowl gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles for a gluten-free version, ensuring all sauces fit your dietary needs.