Dairy-Free Chili Paneer

Discover the bold flavors of Dairy-Free Chili Paneer, a plant-based twist on a beloved Indo-Chinese classic! This vibrant recipe swaps traditional paneer for crispy, golden tofu, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a dairy-free alternative without compromising on taste. Coated in a delectable sauce of soy, tomato paste, and a touch of maple syrup, and stir-fried with aromatic garlic, ginger, chilies, and colorful bell peppers, this dish delivers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors. Ready in just 45 minutes, this protein-packed dish makes a sensational appetizer or pairs effortlessly with steamed rice for a satisfying main course. Garnished with fresh cilantro and spring onions, Dairy-Free Chili Paneer is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it a must-try for vegans and food lovers alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 2 Green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 Green bell pepper, diced
• 1 Onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons Water
• 2 Spring onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Drain the tofu and pat dry with paper towels. Cut it into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until well coated.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer and fry until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies, stir-frying for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the sliced onions to the pan and sauté until they turn translucent.

Step 6

Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, tomato paste, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and water to create a sauce.

Step 8

Pour the sauce into the pan with the vegetables, then add the fried tofu cubes. Toss everything together so the tofu and vegetables are well coated in the sauce.

Step 9

Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.

Step 10

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped spring onions and cilantro over the dish for garnish.

Step 11

Serve hot as an appetizer or with steamed rice for a main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1061.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1091.9

Total Fat 72.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.6g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3634.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 78.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.4g	0%
Total Sugars 29.8g
Protein 52.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 751.8mg	0%
Iron 9.7mg	0%
Potassium 1994.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.4%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 26.7%