Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu is the ultimate comfort food with an Asian-inspired twist. The tofu is crispy, golden, and coated in a sticky, flavorful honey garlic sauce that is absolutely irresistible. It’s quick and easy to make, and can be enjoyed by both vegans and non-vegans alike. The combination of textures and bold flavors will keep you coming back for more!

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

• 1 block extra-firm tofu (about 14-16 ounces)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• Cooking oil (for frying, about ½ cup)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup/agave nectar for a vegan option)
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For Garnish:

• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• Sliced green onions (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Tofu:

• Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel, placing a heavy object on top (like a cast-iron skillet) for at least 15 minutes to drain the water. The drier the tofu, the crispier it will get.
• Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

2. Coat the Tofu:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture until each piece is coated evenly. Shake off any excess cornstarch.

3. Fry the Tofu:

• Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry the tofu for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to fry the tofu in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Once crispy, transfer the tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• While the tofu is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
• Let the sauce cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the garlic and ginger to infuse the sauce. The sauce should thicken slightly. Stir in the sesame oil and remove from heat.

5. Coat the Tofu:

• Once the tofu is crispy, pour the honey garlic sauce over the tofu in the skillet, gently tossing to coat the tofu evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to glaze the tofu and caramelize slightly.

6. Serve:

• Transfer the crispy honey garlic tofu to serving plates. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
• Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles, or enjoy it as is for a delicious snack or appetizer.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 20 minutes (including pressing the tofu)
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Notes

• Tofu: For the crispiest tofu, make sure to press it well to remove as much water as possible. The less moisture in the tofu, the crispier it will get.
• Soy Sauce: If you’re avoiding soy, you can use coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative.
• Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegan if you use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the dish for a complete meal.
• Baked Tofu Option: For a healthier, oil-free version, bake the coated tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tofu in a skillet over medium heat and cook for a few minutes until crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and checking that the other ingredients (such as the cornstarch) are gluten-free.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat it before serving with the tofu.

Can I make this recipe without frying the tofu?

Yes, if you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the tofu after coating it with cornstarch. Bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s golden and crispy.

Conclusion

This Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. The combination of crispy tofu, savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to try something new, this tofu recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen!

Print