Description
This Crispy Honey-Garlic Tofu recipe delivers a perfect balance of crispy texture and sweet-savory flavor, making it an irresistible plant-based main dish. Tofu cubes are coated and pan-fried until golden, then tossed in a luscious honey-garlic sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Ideal for a quick and satisfying Asian-inspired dinner, it’s great served over rice or noodles with vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Coating
- 14 ounces extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Honey-Garlic Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare Tofu: Pat the pressed tofu dry to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
- Coat Tofu: In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated to ensure a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make Sauce: Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry to the pan. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Toss Tofu in Sauce: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated with the thickened honey-garlic sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the tofu. Serve immediately over rice or noodles with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu well is essential to achieving a crispy texture.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Serve over rice or noodles with steamed vegetables to make it a full meal.
