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Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu Recipe

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 95 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2โ€“3 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu recipe transforms simple tofu into a mouthwatering, golden-crisp main course, glazed with a sweet, garlicky sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it features balanced flavors and a satisfying crunch that appeals to vegans and omnivores alike.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crispy Tofu

  • 14 oz (400g) extra-firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey (use maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Coat the Tofu: In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until each piece is evenly coated.
  3. Fry the Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy, about 8โ€“10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic. Sautรฉ for about 30 seconds. Stir in soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and water. Bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 1โ€“2 minutes.
  5. Glaze the Tofu: Return the crispy tofu to the pan and toss well until each piece is coated in the glossy sauce.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a serving plate, top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot over rice or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • For even crispier tofu, you can bake or air fry the coated tofu at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 20โ€“25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • If making vegan, substitute honey with pure maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Serve immediately for best texture, as the tofu may soften if left to sit.
  • This recipe pairs well with steamed broccoli, jasmine rice, or soba noodles.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 865mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg