Maple Chili Glazed Tofu

This Maple Chili Glazed Tofu is easy to make and full of flavor! It’s spicy, sweet, and has great texture. This tofu makes a wonderful vegan side dish for Christmas or Thanksgiving.

I am so excited to share this Maple Chili Glazed Tofu recipe with you today! There seems to be a common misconception among non-vegetarians/vegans that tofu is boring and bland. Everyone will agree that’s not true after eating this tofu!

As much as I love a good lentil-based meatloaf as a vegan holiday main dish, I also feel it’s a little heavy and can be a bit much paired with all the other high-carb holiday side dishes. I created this Maple Chili Glazed Tofu recipe as a high-protein, low-carb main dish that’s fancy enough for Christmas and easy enough for a weeknight dinner!

Why Your Body Will Love This Glazed Tofu

Tofu is a terrific meat-free protein source; half a cup of firm tofu contains nearly 22 grams.

It’s also rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which contribute to healthy bones. The isoflavones found in tofu may even prevent bone disease in women. They also reduce the less-than-great form of cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

Maple Chile Glazed Tofu Recipe Ingredients

• Tofu – You will need to use extra- or super-firm tofu for this recipe. Extra-firm tofu is perfect because it holds its texture well and doesn’t break apart. I like patting my tofu dry and pressing it for at least 10 minutes to get as much water as possible.
• Cornstarch and oil – I apply a light coat of cornstarch to the tofu and then fry it in about 2 Tablespoons of oil (you can use less if you like). This is a quick and easy way to get a nice crispy piece of tofu.
• Maple Syrup – This recipe requires pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup, which is usually made with artificial ingredients and flavors. You could also substitute honey if you like.
• Other glaze ingredients – Water, tamari, chili powder, smoked paprika, granulated garlic and cumin, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch.

How To Make Glazed Tofu

This tofu looks kinda fancy but is actually really easy to make. There are only a few steps to follow:

1. Press as much water out of the tofu as possible and cut it into pieces. You can do large or small pieces. Place the tofu in a bowl and sprinkle with tamari and cornstarch. Carefully mix until each piece of tofu is coated.
2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is heated, carefully place the tofu in and let cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.  Drain any excess oil of the pan.
3. Make the glaze while the tofu is cooking. Add all glaze ingredients to a bowl and mix until combined. Pour over the tofu and cook until the glaze has thickened and can coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
4. It’s best when served hot but can also be reheated at a later time.

A Perfect Vegan Main Dish

I originally made this maple chili glazed tofu for our Thanksgiving main dish and will probably make it again for Christmas! I love it because it’s super quick and easy to make; the crispy tofu can even be made ahead of time. It’s also great because it’s low carb, so it won’t feel extra heavy next to all your other rich side dishes. The maple and chili flavors also go well with side dishes like mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and stuffing!

Have a question about this recipe? Ask me in the comments, and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

Looking for more flavorful tofu recipes?

Vegan Orange Tofu

Teriyaki Tofu Bowls

Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Asian Tofu Peanut Wraps

Crispy Tofu Sandwiches

Maple Chili Glazed Tofu

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

• Author: She Likes Food
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Maple Chili Glazed Tofu is easy to make, full of flavor and perfect for a vegan holiday main dish!

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Ingredients

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• 1 (14 oz) package extra firm tofu, pressed
• 1 tablespoon tamari, or soy sauce
• 3 teaspoons corn starch
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Maple Chili Glaze:

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tablespoons tamari, or soy sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Press as much water out of the tofu as you can and cut it into pieces.  You can do large pieces or small pieces.  Place the tofu in a bowl and sprinkle with tamari and cornstarch.  Carefully mix until each piece of tofu is coated.
2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.  Once oil is heated, carefully place the tofu in and let cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.  Drain any excess oil of the pan.
3. Make the glaze while the tofu is cooking.  Add all glaze ingredients to a bowl and mix until combined.  Pour over the tofu and cook until the glaze has thickened and can coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Best when served hot but can also be reheated at a later time.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Vegan, Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American