Go Back
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, and green) - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 carrot, julienned - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated ginger The main ingredients in this dish create a colorful and tasty mix. Firm tofu brings protein and holds flavors well. The mixed bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Broccoli adds a nice green touch and nutrients. Carrots lend a sweet bite. Garlic and ginger add depth and warmth to the dish. - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil The sauces and seasonings transform this dish into something special. Honey provides a sweet glaze that balances the savory notes. Low-sodium soy sauce adds umami without too much salt. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste. - Sesame seeds, for garnish - Chopped green onions, for garnish The garnishes make your dish look pretty and tasty. Sesame seeds add a slight crunch and nutty taste. Chopped green onions add freshness and a pop of color. These small touches elevate the meal and make it restaurant-worthy. Enjoy your cooking adventure! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to press the tofu. Place a block of firm tofu on a plate. Cover it with another plate and put something heavy on top. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess moisture. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Next, coat the tofu cubes with cornstarch. Place the cubes in a bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over them. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated. This coating helps create a crispy texture when frying. Now, it’s time to fry the tofu. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated tofu cubes to the skillet. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes. Turn them occasionally until they turn golden and crispy on all sides. Once done, remove the tofu and set it aside on a plate. Next, stir-fry the vegetables. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the mixed bell peppers, broccoli, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Then, push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the center. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning. Now, it's time to combine everything. Return the crispy tofu to the pan with the vegetables. Drizzle the honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil over the mix. Stir everything together well. Make sure each piece is coated in sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before removing from heat. Tofu can be tricky. Pressing it is key. This step removes water and helps the tofu fry better. Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes. You can use a heavy object, like a skillet. For crispy tofu, coat the cubes in cornstarch. This creates a nice outer layer when fried. Heat your pan well before adding tofu. Fry it until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Sweetness and saltiness matter in this dish. You can adjust the honey and soy sauce to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For saltiness, use low-sodium soy sauce. You can also try adding spices. Crushed red pepper flakes give heat. A splash of rice vinegar adds tang. These simple tweaks will elevate your dish. Serving is part of the fun! Use a large bowl or platter for an appealing look. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This adds color and texture. Pair your stir fry with steamed rice or quinoa. Both are great at soaking up the sauce. This makes a complete meal that’s both tasty and beautiful. Pro Tips Press Tofu Thoroughly: Ensure the tofu is pressed for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture; this helps achieve a crispy texture when frying. Use High Heat: Cooking the tofu and vegetables over medium-high heat allows for a quick stir-fry, preserving the crunchiness of the veggies. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the sauce according to your taste preference for sweetness. Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip on the sesame seeds and green onions as they add a fresh flavor and a beautiful presentation to the dish. {{image_2}} You can swap tofu with tempeh. Tempeh has a nutty taste and firm texture. It works well with the honey garlic sauce. You can also use chicken or shrimp for a meatier option. Each protein adds its own flavor and texture to the dish. Feel free to mix in other veggies. Zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms are great choices. They all cook quickly and add color. You can use seasonal vegetables too. In spring, asparagus or peas shine. In winter, root veggies like carrots and parsnips work well. To keep it vegan, check all ingredients. Use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey. These options give sweetness without animal products. Always confirm that your soy sauce is vegan too. This way, you can enjoy the dish while sticking to a plant-based diet. To store leftover stir fry, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to four days. When reheating, use a skillet for best results. Heat on medium until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Yes, you can freeze honey garlic tofu stir fry! To do this, let it cool down completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet or microwave. This keeps the flavors intact and the tofu crispy. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. To do this, you need to substitute the soy sauce. Use tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce, instead. It has a similar taste and works well in this dish. Always check labels to ensure no gluten is present in your ingredients. To add some heat to your stir fry, consider these options: - Add sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers for freshness. - Use red pepper flakes for a quick spice boost. - Incorporate sriracha or chili paste in the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. This honey garlic tofu stir fry pairs nicely with: - Steamed jasmine rice for a classic choice. - Quinoa for a protein-packed alternative. - A fresh salad to add a crunchy texture. These sides help balance the flavors and make your meal complete. This stir fry with tofu and colorful veggies offers a tasty and healthy meal. We explored key ingredients, including firm tofu, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for the perfect texture, and tasty variations to try. In closing, this dish is fun to make and easy to adapt. Try different proteins or veggies to match your taste. Store leftovers properly, and enjoy your meal later. Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious creation!

Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

A delicious and healthy stir fry featuring crispy tofu, vibrant vegetables, and a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 unit carrot, julienned
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 4 cup honey
  • 1 4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 unit sesame seeds, for garnish
  • 1 unit green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  • In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help to create a crispy texture when fried.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add the coated tofu cubes to the skillet, frying them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add a little extra oil if necessary, then toss in the mixed bell peppers, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  • Push the vegetables to the side and add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the center of the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Return the crispy tofu to the pan, and then drizzle the honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil over the tofu and vegetables. Stir everything together, ensuring that all ingredients are well coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Once heated through, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Keyword honey garlic, stir fry, tofu, vegetarian