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Crispy honey garlic tofu Recipe

Crispy honey garlic tofu Recipe

5 from 16 reviews

Crispy honey garlic tofu is a deliciously flavorful and crunchy plant-based dish featuring perfectly fried tofu cubes coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer, and can be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 400 grams (14 oz) firm tofu
  • 4 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • vegetable oil for frying (about 1 cup)

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Drain the firm tofu and press it to remove excess moisture for 15-20 minutes using a tofu press or by placing it between paper towels with a weight on top.
  2. Cube the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into uniform bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
  3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create a flavorful honey garlic sauce.
  4. Coat the tofu: Evenly dust each tofu cube with cornstarch, shaking off any excess to help create a crispy crust.
  5. Fry the tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu cubes for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  6. Drain excess oil: Remove the fried tofu cubes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
  7. Simmer the sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat, pour in the honey garlic sauce, and let it simmer for about one minute until slightly thickened and aromatic.
  8. Coat the tofu in sauce: Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot as a main dish or appetizer with rice or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu properly is crucial for a crispy texture; if you don’t have a tofu press, use heavy books or plates.
  • For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste—add chili flakes for a spicy kick or more garlic for an extra punch.
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten free.
  • The tofu is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to preserve crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy tofu, honey garlic tofu, vegan tofu recipe, plant-based dinner, tofu appetizer, easy tofu recipe