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- Firm Tofu - Cornstarch - Honey or Maple Syrup - Garlic - Soy Sauce - Rice Vinegar - Sesame Oil - Vegetable Oil - Green Onion - Sesame Seeds - Each serving has about 280 calories. - This dish has: - Carbs: 30g - Proteins: 12g - Fats: 12g - It is vegan if you use maple syrup. It can be gluten-free with tamari. Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu packs flavor and nutrition. Firm tofu gives a nice bite. Cornstarch makes it crispy outside. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. Garlic brings a rich taste. Soy sauce adds umami, while rice vinegar adds a little tang. Sesame oil gives a lovely aroma. This meal is perfect for dinner. You can serve it with rice or veggies. It is a great dish for anyone, whether you are a beginner or a pro. The ingredients are easy to find. You may already have some at home. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to press the tofu. This step helps remove water and makes the tofu crispy. Place your block of firm tofu on a plate. Put another plate on top and add some weight. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly. Next, it’s time to coat the tofu. Place the tofu cubes in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu. Toss the tofu gently until each piece is fully covered. The cornstarch will give it that crispy outer layer when cooked. Now, heat some vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Carefully add the coated tofu in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Once done, use a paper towel to soak up extra oil. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Then add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well until mixed. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Now, return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Toss the tofu in the honey garlic sauce. Cook for one more minute to coat each piece well. This step makes sure every bite is flavorful. Finally, transfer your honey garlic tofu to a serving dish. For a nice touch, garnish it with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and a bit of crunch. Enjoy your crispy honey garlic tofu! To get crispy tofu, pressing is key. Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes. This removes water, helping the tofu crisp up. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Uniform pieces cook evenly. Using cornstarch is a game changer. Coat each cube lightly with cornstarch. This creates a crunchy outside when frying. For best results, use a shallow bowl for easy tossing. Ensure the cornstarch sticks to all sides of the tofu. Frying temperature matters a lot. Heat the oil until it shimmers but is not smoking. This shows it's hot enough for frying. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan leads to soggy tofu. Fry in batches if needed. Flip the tofu only when it's golden brown. This helps achieve a nice crust. Each side should take about 3-4 minutes. Adjusting sweetness is easy. If you want less sweet, reduce the honey or maple syrup. You can also add a splash of soy sauce to balance the flavors. For more depth, consider extra seasonings. A pinch of black pepper or ginger adds warmth. You could also try a dash of chili flakes for heat. This adds a fun twist to the dish. Pro Tips Press Tofu Well: Ensure you press the tofu for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture when frying. Even Coating: When coating the tofu with cornstarch, make sure to toss gently but thoroughly. An even coating will help create a consistent crispy layer on all sides. Monitor Heat Levels: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the tofu may burn quickly; too cool, and it may become soggy. A medium-high heat is ideal. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your preference. Adding a pinch of chili flakes can also give it a nice kick! {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Just swap honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup gives a sweet touch that works well with garlic. You can also add more plant-based ingredients. Try using a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You could also toss in some cashews for extra crunch. These small changes keep the dish tasty and fun. Want to spice things up? Add chili flakes for a spicy kick. You can adjust the amount based on your heat level. If you enjoy veggies, consider adding bell peppers or broccoli. They not only add color but also boost nutrition. Toss them in the pan near the end of cooking to keep them crisp. You will enjoy the mix of flavors and textures. This honey garlic tofu is super versatile! You can easily mix it into stir-fries. Just toss it with your favorite veggies and rice. It also makes a great filling for tacos or wraps. Add some slaw and a squeeze of lime for extra zest. These options make your meals exciting and full of flavor. To store leftover crispy honey garlic tofu, let it cool first. Then, place the tofu in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you wait longer, the tofu will lose its crispy texture. When reheating, aim to restore that crispy goodness. The best method is to use a skillet. Heat a little oil over medium heat. Then, add the tofu. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. This way, you keep the outside crispy and warm the inside. Yes, you can freeze crispy tofu! First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last for about two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the skillet method again for best results. You can use soft tofu, but firm tofu works best. Firm tofu holds its shape during cooking. It gives you that nice, crispy texture. Soft tofu may fall apart when you fry it. For this recipe, stick with firm tofu for great results. Yes, but you need to check your soy sauce. Traditional soy sauce has gluten. Look for gluten-free soy sauce, like tamari. It has a similar taste but is safe for gluten-free diets. Always read labels to ensure it fits your needs. To add some heat, try chili pepper flakes. You can also use chili sauce. Start with a little, then taste it. Adjust until it’s just right for you. Spicy and sweet make a fantastic pair with the tofu. Pair this tofu with rice or quinoa for a full meal. Steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas add color. You can also enjoy it in a wrap with fresh greens. A side of salad complements the dish nicely. This article covered the key ingredients and steps for making crispy honey garlic tofu. We talked about preparation, frying, and making a delicious sauce. You learned tips for a great texture and flavor variations to try. In closing, making this dish can be fun and rewarding. Experiment with flavors and share your tasty results. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and savor every crispy bite!

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

A delicious and crispy tofu dish coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, carefully pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup honey (or substitute with maple syrup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 green onion finely chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by thoroughly pressing the block of tofu to extract excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
  • Transfer the tofu cubes into a mixing bowl. Evenly sprinkle the cornstarch over them. Gently toss the cubes to coat them entirely in the cornstarch, ensuring a light and crispy outer layer.
  • In a large non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes to the skillet in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tofu until each side is golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the tofu and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for around 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant and golden but not burnt. Then, introduce the honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
  • Carefully return the crispy tofu cubes back into the skillet with the honey garlic sauce. Gently toss the tofu in the sauce, cooking for an additional minute to ensure that each piece is evenly coated and deliciously glazed.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the honey garlic tofu to a serving dish. For an appealing garnish, top it with finely chopped green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds to add a touch of crunch and visual flair.

Notes

For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup.
Keyword crispy, honey garlic, tofu, vegan