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- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed - ½ cup cornstarch - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 2 green onions, finely chopped The main ingredients for this crispy honey garlic tofu start with firm tofu. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Press it well to remove moisture, which helps it get crispy. Next, cornstarch coats the tofu. This coating gives it a nice crunch when fried. You also need vegetable oil for frying. It helps create that golden brown color. For the sauce, honey is the star. Its sweetness makes the dish special. Garlic adds a strong flavor, while soy sauce gives a nice saltiness. Rice vinegar adds a bit of tang, and ginger adds warmth and spice. Together, these ingredients make a tasty sauce that sticks to the tofu. Optional garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions add color and flavor. They make your dish look fancy, too! When you serve the tofu, sprinkle these on top for a pop of freshness. Enjoy this simple yet tasty recipe! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to press the tofu. This step is key to getting the right texture. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object, like a skillet, on top. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. This helps remove the moisture. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Set the cubes aside on a plate. Next, it's time to coat the tofu. In a shallow dish, pour the cornstarch. Take the tofu cubes and toss them in the cornstarch. Make sure each piece is lightly coated. Shaking off any excess cornstarch is important. This ensures a nice crunch when frying. Now, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat for the best results. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the heat steady. Fry the tofu for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want it to turn golden brown and crispy. If needed, fry in batches. After frying, transfer the tofu to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain off any extra oil. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Next, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir the mixture to combine all the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This thickens the sauce into a sticky glaze. Carefully return the crispy tofu to the pan. Gently toss the tofu in the honey garlic sauce. Make sure each piece is well coated and glistening. Allow it to cook for an extra 1 to 2 minutes. This ensures the tofu heats through and absorbs the sauce. To serve, use a wide platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top. Pair the crispy honey garlic tofu with steamed rice or parboiled vegetables. For an authentic touch, enjoy your meal with chopsticks. This makes the dish even more special! To get that perfect crunch, control the temperature when frying. Heat your oil to medium-high. If it's too low, the tofu absorbs oil and becomes soggy. A non-stick skillet is great for easy cooking. However, a cast iron pan gives a nice, even heat. This makes the tofu crispier. Want more flavor? Add chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. You can also mix in other sauces. Try teriyaki or hoisin for a fun twist. These changes can make the dish your own. Press the tofu to remove extra moisture. Wrap it in a towel and add some weight on top. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This makes it firmer and helps it crisp up. You can use firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe. Soft tofu will not work well, as it will fall apart during cooking. Pro Tips Pressing the Tofu: Make sure to press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture; this helps achieve a crispier texture when frying. Coating Method: For an extra crunchy coating, double-dip the tofu cubes in cornstarch by tossing them in cornstarch, dipping in a bit of water, and then tossing again in cornstarch. Heat Control: Maintain a consistent medium-high heat while frying to ensure the tofu cooks evenly and develops a golden crust without burning. Serving Suggestions: Pair the crispy honey garlic tofu with steamed rice, quinoa, or fresh vegetables to create a balanced meal. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegan by swapping honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options add sweetness without using animal products. Maple syrup has a rich flavor, while agave nectar is milder. Choose whichever you prefer. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce. Tamari is a great choice and tastes similar. It gives the same salty flavor you want in the sauce. Just check the label to ensure it’s gluten-free. Adding veggies can make this dish even better. Bell peppers and broccoli work great. They add color and crunch. Simply chop them up and toss them in with the tofu while cooking. This gives you a tasty stir-fry twist! To keep your crispy honey garlic tofu fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. This method helps keep the flavors strong and the texture decent. To reheat the tofu, use a skillet. Heat it on medium heat for best results. Add a small amount of oil to the pan. This will help the tofu crisp up again. Fry it for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the tofu soggy. You can freeze tofu before or after cooking. If you freeze it raw, press it first. This helps the tofu absorb flavors better later. If you freeze cooked tofu, allow it to cool completely. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw frozen tofu, put it in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place it in a bowl of cold water. After thawing, drain any excess moisture before using it in recipes. This will help keep the texture nice. To press tofu, start by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object like a cast-iron skillet on top. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. This removes excess moisture and helps the tofu become crispy. You can also use a tofu press if you have one. Properly pressing tofu makes it soak up flavors better. Yes, you can use both firm and extra-firm tofu. Firm tofu has a soft texture, while extra-firm tofu is denser. For this recipe, I recommend extra-firm tofu. It holds its shape better during frying. The key is to press it well, no matter which type you choose. Crispy honey garlic tofu pairs well with many sides. Here are some popular options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Garlic sautéed spinach - Roasted broccoli - Fried rice - Quinoa salad These sides enhance the meal's flavors and add nutrients. You can mix and match based on your taste. To add heat to this dish, consider these tips: - Mix in red chili flakes with the sauce. - Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the glaze. - Toss in sliced fresh chili peppers when cooking the garlic. These options will give your crispy honey garlic tofu a nice kick! Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Crispy honey garlic tofu is easy to make with key ingredients like tofu, cornstarch, and honey. We covered steps to prepare, fry, and coat the tofu for the best flavor. Remember to use different frying techniques to get that perfect crisp. You can even mix in veggies or substitute for a vegan option. With proper storage, leftovers can remain tasty. Enjoy this dish with rice for a delicious meal. Now it's your turn to try it out!

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

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

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • 2 green onions finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • To begin, press the tofu to eliminate excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object, like a cast-iron skillet or a few canned goods, on top. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes to drain effectively.
  • Once the tofu is well-pressed, cut it into 1-inch cubes and set them aside on a plate.
  • In a shallow dish, pour the cornstarch. Take the tofu cubes and gently toss them in the cornstarch until they are lightly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
  • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the coated tofu cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
  • Fry the tofu for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until each piece is golden brown and crispy. If necessary, fry in batches to maintain the heat of the oil. After frying, transfer the crispy tofu onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
  • Next, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, stirring the mixture to combine the flavors.
  • Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a sticky glaze.
  • Carefully return the crispy tofu to the pan, gently tossing it in the honey garlic sauce until all pieces are well coated and glistening.
  • Allow to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure the tofu is heated through and the sauce clings nicely to each piece.
  • Remove the pan from heat. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds and the finely chopped green onions over the top for a delightful garnish.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or parboiled vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword crispy, honey garlic, tofu, vegetarian