Searching for a delicious and satisfying meal that cooks up in no time? If you’re a busy professional or a home cook looking for an exciting twist on dinner, this Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu recipe is just what you need!
This dish features crispy tofu coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that’s hard to resist. The tofu becomes golden brown and crunchy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy within. With its mouthwatering flavors and fragrant garlic aroma wafting through your kitchen, this recipe stands out as a delightful crowd-pleaser, whether for family dinner or meal prep.
Why should you consider making this tasty dish? First off, it’s quick and easy to prepare. Plus, you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand. It also transitions seamlessly from a main course to a satisfying side, making it perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Made with pantry staples
- Perfect for weekly meal prep
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
Ingredients for Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu
- 400 grams (14 oz) Firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 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 Green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1 cup)
Step-by-Step Instructions of Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu
Press the tofu: Remove excess moisture by pressing the tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel for about 15 minutes.
Cut and coat the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and toss them in cornstarch until well-coated.
Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Fry the tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
Add the sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the fried tofu and toss to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Garnish and serve: Remove the tofu from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or with veggies.
Tips for Success
- Keep the tofu dry: For extra crispiness, make sure the tofu is well-pressed to remove moisture.
- Use a large pan: Avoid crowding the pan while frying to ensure the tofu cooks evenly and stays crispy.
- Customize the sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and garlic levels to fit your taste!
Substitutions & Variations of Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Substitute honey with maple syrup and ensure you’re using gluten-free soy sauce.
Variations: Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes for heat, or stir in some mixed vegetables for added nutrition. You could also toss in a handful of peanuts for extra crunch!
Storage Instructions of Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: This tofu dish doesn’t freeze well due to its texture but can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge.
Make-Ahead: You can chop the tofu ahead of time and coat it with cornstarch. Simply fry and glaze it when you’re ready to eat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu
Can I bake the tofu instead of frying it?
Yes! For a lighter version, toss the coated tofu in a bit of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How can I fix burnt garlic?
Burnt garlic can ruin your sauce. Cook it on lower heat and keep an eye on it. If burnt, start over with fresh garlic.
Can I use other sauces?
Absolutely! Teriyaki or a spicy chili sauce will give a fun twist to the recipe.
Conclusion
Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu brings you a fantastic meal that’s not only easy to whip up but also a feast for your taste buds. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy this delightful dish any night of the week! Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating! Your feedback is very much appreciated!
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Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu
Delicious crispy tofu coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a quick meal or meal prep.
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400 grams (14 oz) Firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 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 Green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Remove excess moisture by pressing the tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel for about 15 minutes.
- Cut and coat the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and toss them in cornstarch until well-coated.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Fry the tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the fried tofu and toss to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the tofu from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or with veggies.
Notes
For extra crispiness, ensure the tofu is well-pressed to remove moisture. Avoid crowding the pan while frying to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free