Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu
I’ve tried numerous tofu recipes over the years, but nothing quite matches the savory allure of crispy honey garlic tofu. This dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner, family brunch, or just when you’re craving something delightful and satisfying. The combination of crispy tofu, an irresistible honey garlic glaze, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds creates a melody of textures and flavors that you simply can’t resist. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home, giving you a deliciously rewarding cooking experience.
Why make this recipe
Imagine biting into perfectly crispy tofu coated in a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Not only is this dish a feast for your taste buds, but it’s also a fantastic choice for a quick meal that suits nearly any occasion. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and packed with protein, making it an excellent option for a nutritious meal. Whether you’re looking for a main dish or a side that’ll steal the spotlight, this recipe ticks all the boxes.
"This crispy honey garlic tofu recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are out of this world, and my family devoured it in minutes. It’s now a staple in our house!"
How to make Crispy honey garlic tofu recipe that will amaze you!
Preparing this honey garlic tofu is a straightforward process that yields wonderfully crispy results. You’ll be pressing tofu, mixing a flavorful sauce, and frying until golden brown. Before diving into the ingredients, let’s take a quick look at the cooking steps to set the stage for your culinary adventure.
- Press the firm tofu to eliminate excess moisture.
- Dice the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- Whip up the honey garlic sauce.
- Coat the tofu in cornstarch.
- Fry the tofu until crispy.
- Toss the tofu in the honey garlic sauce.
What you’ll need
To create this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- Firm tofu: 400 grams (14 oz)
- Honey: 4 tablespoons (or use maple syrup for a vegan version)
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Cornstarch: 1/2 cup
- Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
- Green onions: 2, chopped
- Sesame seeds: 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable oil: for frying (about 1 cup)
Feel free to experiment with maple syrup if you’re going for a vegan approach. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Step-by-step instructions
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Drain and press the tofu. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top for 15-20 minutes. This helps remove excess liquid, ensuring a crispy texture.
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Cut the tofu. After pressing, slice the tofu into uniform bite-sized cubes, so everything cooks evenly.
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Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil until well combined.
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Coat the tofu. Toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch, ensuring they’re evenly coated to achieve that signature crunch when fried.
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Heat the oil. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom.
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Fry until crispy. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu cubes in batches. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
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Simmer the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium, pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet, and let it simmer for about a minute.
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Combine and serve. Add the crispy tofu back into the saucepan, gently tossing to coat all the pieces in that luscious sauce.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving your crispy honey garlic tofu can be just as important as how you prepare it! Here are some exciting ideas:
- Serve over rice or quinoa. A bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa makes this dish heartier and is perfect for soaking up that delectable sauce.
- Pair with stir-fried veggies. Sautéing colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas adds fresh flavors and a pop of color to your plate.
- Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Not only does this add crunch, but it also enhances the presentation.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten crispy honey garlic tofu in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days. If you’re planning to reheat, a quick toss in a hot skillet will re-crisp the tofu nicely. Just be careful not to overcook it to prevent it from becoming chewy.
Helpful cooking tips
- Pressing is key. The firmer the tofu, the better the texture. Pressing it well ensures that your tofu will be crispy rather than soggy.
- Use high heat. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the tofu, as this will create that golden crust and prevent sticking.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. Feel free to tweak the amounts of honey or maple syrup in the sauce based on your preference for sweetness.
Creative twists
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:
- Add spice. Include red pepper flakes or Sriracha in the honey garlic sauce for an extra kick.
- Switch proteins. Tempeh can be substituted for tofu for a different flavor and texture.
- Add nuts. Toss in some chopped peanuts or cashews at the end for a crunchy texture contrast.
Common questions
How long does it take to make crispy honey garlic tofu?
The total prep and cooking time is about 30-40 minutes, making it a relatively quick dish.
Can I use any other sweeteners?
Yes, agave syrup or brown sugar could work as alternatives to honey or maple syrup depending on your dietary preferences.
Is this tofu dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge, and you can prepare it ahead of time for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Delight in making this crispy honey garlic tofu recipe, and watch as it becomes a favorite dish at your table!
Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 400 grams Firm tofu Press to eliminate moisture.
- 4 tablespoons Honey (or maple syrup for vegan) Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch For coating the tofu.
- 2 tablespoons Sesame oil
- 2 pieces Green onions, chopped For garnish.
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds For garnish.
- 1 cup Vegetable oil For frying.
Instructions
Preparation
- Drain and press the tofu to eliminate excess moisture for 15-20 minutes.
- Dice the tofu into uniform bite-sized cubes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the tofu cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove crispy tofu and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Reduce heat to medium, pour honey garlic sauce into the skillet, and let it simmer for about a minute.
- Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
