Crispy Honey-Garlic Tofu

Crispy Honey-Garlic Tofu is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting, savory flavors of honey, garlic, and crispy tofu. Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you’re craving something quick yet satisfying, this recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of a crunchy exterior with a sweet and garlicky glaze is simply irresistible, making it an ideal option for both vegans and meat-eaters alike.

One of the standout features of this crispy honey-garlic tofu is its versatility. It’s a dish that can easily be tailored to suit your preferences, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an eye-catching dish for a dinner party. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and best of all, incredibly kid-approved.

"This crispy honey-garlic tofu is amazing! My kids gobbled it up in minutes, and I loved how easy it was to make!" – A Happy Cook

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe shines because it’s not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor. The process of pressing the tofu ensures a wonderfully crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, savory honey-garlic sauce. It’s an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner, as you can have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in less than 30 minutes. Additionally, it’s a healthy option that provides plant-based protein, making it perfect for vegetarian or vegan diets.

How This Recipe Comes Together

Making crispy honey-garlic tofu is a straightforward yet rewarding process. You’ll start by pressing the tofu to rid it of excess moisture, ensuring maximum crispiness. After that, it gets a light coating of cornstarch before being sautéed to golden perfection. While the tofu cooks, you’ll whip up a flavorful honey-garlic sauce, combining everything from soy sauce to fresh ginger. The final step involves tossing everything together for a delightful finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

• 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
• Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

Feel free to swap honey for agave syrup for a vegan version, or adjust the spices to suit your taste!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Press the Tofu: Start by draining your tofu. Wrap the block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, place it on a plate, and weigh it down with a heavy object. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes.

2. Cut the Tofu: After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

3. Coat the Tofu: In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch, making sure each piece is evenly coated.

4. Cook the Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and crispy.

5. Make the Sauce: While the tofu cooks, prepare the honey-garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, water, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes, if using.

6. Combine Tofu and Sauce: When the tofu is crispy, reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the honey-garlic sauce over it. Toss gently to coat, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Crispy honey-garlic tofu pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli, sautéed greens, or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing touch. For a heartier meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, with extra sauce drizzled on top.

Storing Leftovers: What to Know

To keep your crispy honey-garlic tofu fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the tofu in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can result in a soggy texture.

If you’re looking to prepare it in advance, you can also store the cooked tofu separately from the sauce, allowing for better texture upon reheating.

Helpful Cooking Tips

1. Pressing Tofu: Pressing the tofu is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy texture. Don’t skip this step!

2. Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the honey amount based on your taste preference. You can also substitute it with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

3. Garlic Preference: For garlic lovers, using more than four cloves can give the dish an extra punch of flavor.

Recipe Variations

Experimenting with this recipe can lead to exciting new flavors! Consider adding some vegetables to the skillet along with the tofu, like bell peppers or snap peas. For a spicier version, add sriracha or a dash of hot sauce to the honey-garlic mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try replacing the sesame oil with peanut oil for a nutty twist!

Your Questions Answered

• How long does it take to prepare? Prep time is roughly 30 minutes, including pressing and cooking.

• Can I use medium or soft tofu? While it’s possible, extra-firm tofu holds up best for this recipe, ensuring a crispy result.

• Can this be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the cooked tofu; however, the texture may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Make this crispy honey-garlic tofu for a delightful family meal or impress your guests with a flavorful and simple dish packed with taste!

Crispy Honey-Garlic Tofu

A delightful dish featuring crispy tofu coated in a savory honey-garlic sauce, perfect for quick meals or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Vegan

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 block 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons honey Substitute with agave syrup for a vegan version.
• 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons water
• 4 cloves 4 cloves garlic, minced Add more for extra flavor if desired.
• 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon sesame oil Can be replaced with peanut oil for a nutty flavor.
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
• 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons sesame seeds For garnish.
• 2 green onions 2 green onions, sliced For garnish.
• as needed Cooked rice or quinoa For serving.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Press the tofu by wrapping it in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, placing it on a plate, and weighing it down with a heavy object. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
• After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

Cooking

• In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
• While the tofu cooks, prepare the honey-garlic sauce by whisking together soy sauce, honey, water, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
• When the tofu is crispy, reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the honey-garlic sauce over it. Toss gently to coat, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Remove from heat and serve over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.

Keyword Crispy Tofu, Easy Vegan Recipe, Honey-Garlic Sauce, Plant-Based Protein, Quick Dinner