Food 
Gathering Your Ingredients:
Hey everyone! Ready to spice up your meal routine? Let’s gather everything we need for some seriously delicious Smash Tofu Sliders with Chili Crunch. You’re going to need 400 grams (14 oz) of firm tofu—that’s our main attraction here. Make sure to grab some vegan slider buns to keep it plant-based, and let’s not forget the essentials for our zesty homemade chili crunch: olive oil, garlic cloves, shallots, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and soy sauce. We’re turning these simple ingredients into a taste sensation that’s sure to dazzle!
Preparing the Tofu:
Our smashing slider journey begins with proper tofu prep. Start by pressing the tofu for a solid 30 minutes to kiss goodbye to that excess water. This step is super important—it ensures our tofu has the perfect texture and is ready to soak up all those yummy flavors we’re going to add.
Now, slice the tofu into 2 inch (5 cm) thick pieces. They’re going to get smashed later, so don’t worry if they’re not perfectly shaped! Next up, the marinade: mix together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of black pepper. Thoroughly coat your tofu slices in this mixture and let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes, turning once to make sure both sides get some love. This marinade is a game changer, prepping our tofu for that ultimate smash!
Crafting the Chili Crunch:
While our tofu is soaking up all those flavors, let’s turn up the heat with our homemade chili crunch. In a small pan, heat up ½ cup (120 ml) of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in 4 finely chopped garlic cloves and 2 diced shallots, and let them sizzle to a golden, crispy perfection for about 3-4 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning!
Once they’re just right, remove from the heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for that kick and crunch. Finish it off with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for an extra layer of savory goodness. Allow the chili crunch to cool, and voilà , your sliders are about to get a serious flavor boost!
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Assembling and Serving the Sliders:
Alright, it’s showtime! Get a skillet nice and hot over medium heat and grease it lightly with oil. Place your marinated tofu slices in the skillet, then do the honors—smash each piece down with a spatula to get it nice and thin. Give each side about 3-4 minutes to get crispy and golden.
Time to build those sliders! Toast your buns lightly (always a good move for that perfect texture), then stack them up. Place a crispy smashed tofu slice on each bun, pile on a generous helping of your spicy homemade chili crunch, and add your favorite toppings. I love throwing on some crisp lettuce, fresh tomato slices, and a dollop of vegan mayo for that creamy contrast.
These Smash Tofu Sliders with Chili Crunch are more than just a meal; they’re a feast for the senses. Serve them up with a side salad or some crunchy fries, and watch them disappear! Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these sliders are sure to impress. Dig in and enjoy the explosion of flavors, each bite a perfect harmony of zest and crunch!
