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To make crispy honey garlic tofu, gather these key items: - 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) These ingredients create a sweet and savory sauce that perfectly complements crispy tofu. You can swap some ingredients without losing flavor. Here are some ideas: - Tofu: Use extra-firm or silken tofu for a softer texture. - Cornstarch: Try arrowroot powder or potato starch for coating. - Vegetable oil: Olive oil or coconut oil can work well too. - Honey: Maple syrup or agave syrup makes a great vegan substitute. - Soy sauce: Liquid aminos or coconut aminos are good gluten-free options. These changes allow you to customize the dish to your taste or dietary needs. If you want to make this dish fully vegan, use these alternatives: - Honey: Replace it with maple syrup to keep it plant-based. - Soy sauce: Use tamari to ensure it’s gluten-free. These swaps keep the flavors rich and satisfying while respecting a vegan lifestyle. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to press the tofu. This step removes extra moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean towel. Place something heavy on top, like a skillet. Let it rest for about 20 to 30 minutes. This helps the tofu absorb flavors later. After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes or triangles. The size is up to you, but bite-sized pieces work best. Next, toss the tofu in a bowl with cornstarch. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. This coating is key for a crispy texture. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to fry in batches. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them golden brown and crispy. After frying, remove the tofu and place it on paper towels. This helps soak up any excess oil. In the same skillet, lower the heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic fragrant, not burnt. Now, add honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. If you like heat, toss in chili flakes. Stir everything together. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thick. Finally, return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Gently toss it in the sauce. Make sure every piece gets coated well. To get the tofu nice and crispy, press it well. Use a clean towel and a heavy object. Remove as much moisture as you can. Next, coat the tofu in cornstarch. This step is key for the crunch. Fry it in a single layer, not overcrowding the pan. Let each side cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want golden brown and crispy tofu that you cannot resist. For frying, I recommend using vegetable oil. It has a high smoke point, making it perfect for frying. You can also try canola oil or peanut oil. These oils add a nice flavor without overpowering the dish. Avoid using oils with low smoke points, as they can burn easily. Serve your crispy honey garlic tofu hot. It pairs well with rice or noodles. Add steamed vegetables for extra color and nutrition. To make it look fancy, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. You can also serve it with a side of soy sauce for dipping. Enjoy your meal with friends or family! Pro Tips Press Tofu Well: Ensure you press the tofu adequately to remove moisture, which helps achieve maximum crispiness during frying. Use a Non-Stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet helps prevent the tofu from sticking and breaking apart during frying. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup in the sauce based on your preferred sweetness level. Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different garnishes such as chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts for added flavor and texture. {{image_2}} To add a kick to your dish, try spicy honey garlic tofu. Start with the base recipe, but add 1-2 teaspoons of chili paste or sriracha to the sauce. You can also increase the chili flakes to suit your heat level. The spicy sauce blends well with the sweet honey and garlic, creating a tasty balance. This version brings excitement and warmth to your meal. Incorporating vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition. You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Slice the veggies into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry them for a few minutes before adding the tofu. This step keeps the vegetables crisp and fresh. Toss everything in the honey garlic sauce, and you’ll have a colorful and healthy meal. To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce for tamari. Tamari tastes similar and works well in this recipe. Always check labels for hidden gluten in sauces and ingredients. This swap ensures everyone can enjoy the crispy honey garlic tofu. You won’t miss out on flavor while making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. To store leftover crispy honey garlic tofu, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps preserve the flavor and texture. Remember, the tofu may lose some crispiness when stored. To reheat, I suggest using a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil to the pan. Once hot, add the leftover tofu. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning to crisp all sides. This method keeps the tofu tasty and helps regain some crunch. If you want to freeze the tofu, it’s best to do this before adding the sauce. After frying, let the tofu cool. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you can enjoy the dish again without waste. Yes, you can use different types of tofu. Firm tofu works best for this recipe. It holds its shape well and gives a nice crunch. If you prefer, you can use extra-firm tofu for even more texture. Silken tofu, however, won’t work. It’s too soft and will break apart. You can use maple syrup as a sweet vegan option. It has a similar taste and texture to honey. Agave nectar is another choice if you want a milder flavor. Both options mix well with the sauce and keep the dish sweet. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just keep the tofu and sauce separate until you're ready to eat. This keeps the tofu crispy. Reheat it in a skillet to regain that crunch. Crispy honey garlic tofu is easy to make and full of flavor. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for maximum crispiness. You can also try variations like spicy options or adding veggies. Proper storage and reheating keep it fresh for later. Enjoy experimenting with this dish! With the right steps, you'll impress anyone with your cooking. You now have the tools to make a tasty, healthy meal at home.

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

A delicious and crispy tofu dish coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Tofu: Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top (like a skillet) for about 20-30 minutes.
  • Cut the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or triangles, depending on your preference.
  • Coat with Cornstarch: In a large bowl, toss the tofu cubes gently with the cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help achieve that crispy texture.
  • Fry the Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and drain on a paper towel.
  • Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame oil, and chili flakes if using. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Combine Tofu and Sauce: Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet and gently toss it in the sauce, ensuring all pieces are coated well.
  • Serve and Garnish: Once well coated, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the crispy honey garlic tofu hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Use maple syrup for a vegan version and tamari for gluten-free.
Keyword honey garlic, tofu, vegan option