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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, well-drained and pressed - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds - 2 green onions, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper Crispy Honey Sesame Tofu shines with its simple yet bold flavors. You start with firm tofu, which holds its shape well. Pressing the tofu removes extra water. This step is key for a crispy texture. Next, you coat the tofu in cornstarch. This makes the outside crunchy when fried. For flavor, I add honey and soy sauce. The honey gives sweetness, while the soy sauce adds a savory kick. Sesame oil and rice vinegar deepen the taste. Garlic powder and ginger powder bring warmth and spice. When it comes to garnishing, toasted sesame seeds add crunch. Green onions provide a fresh bite. You will want to season with salt and pepper for balance. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish tasty. You can easily find them at any grocery store. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to drain and press the tofu. This step removes excess water. Place the tofu between two plates and add a weight on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. I like to use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Next, we coat the tofu in cornstarch. Begin by seasoning the tofu cubes with salt and pepper. Then, put cornstarch in a shallow dish. Toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch until they are fully coated. This gives the tofu a nice crisp. Now it's time to fry the tofu. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the tofu. Place the coated tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Use tongs to turn them gently. If your pan is small, fry in batches to avoid crowding. Once the tofu is golden and crispy, transfer it to a lined baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the tofu for 10 minutes. This step makes it even crispier. While the tofu bakes, prepare the honey sesame sauce. In a small saucepan, mix honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Heat gently over low heat, stirring often. Do not let it boil. After 10 minutes, take the tofu out of the oven. Transfer it to a mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey sesame sauce over the tofu and toss to coat. Add toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor. Enjoy your Crispy Honey Sesame Tofu over rice or greens! Coating the tofu with cornstarch is key for a crispy texture. Cornstarch creates a barrier that helps the tofu fry perfectly. Make sure each tofu cube is evenly coated. This step makes all the difference! The frying temperature should be just right. Heat your oil over medium heat until it shimmers. If it's too hot, the tofu will burn. If it's too cool, your tofu will soak up oil and become soggy. Serve your Crispy Honey Sesame Tofu over steamed rice. It pairs well with mixed greens or sautéed vegetables. For a stunning plate, arrange the tofu neatly. Drizzle some extra sauce over the top and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and green onions for color. You can change the flavors by adding different sauces. Try teriyaki or sweet chili sauce. If you want a vegan option for honey, use agave nectar or maple syrup. Both give a sweet touch without using honey. Pro Tips Press the Tofu Well: Make sure to press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture when frying. Use a Non-Stick Skillet: If available, use a non-stick skillet for frying the tofu to reduce the amount of oil needed and prevent sticking. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the sauce according to your taste preferences, or substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option. Garnish Before Serving: Add the sesame seeds and green onions just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy. {{image_4}} To store leftover tofu, first, let it cool down. Place the tofu in an airtight container. Add a little water to keep it moist. Seal the container tightly and store it in the fridge. Use it within 3 to 4 days for the best taste. If you want to freeze tofu, drain it well and cut it into cubes. Place the cubes in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen tofu can last for 3 months. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat your tofu while keeping it crispy, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tofu on a baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn the pieces halfway for even heating. For the sauce, heat it gently in a small pan. Stir often over low heat. This method keeps the sauce smooth and tasty. Do not let it boil, as this can change the flavor. - Each serving contains about 250 calories. - Macronutrient composition includes: - Carbohydrates: 30 grams - Fats: 10 grams - Proteins: 12 grams Tofu is a great source of protein. It offers essential amino acids. It has low calories and high protein, making it perfect for a healthy diet. Honey adds natural sweetness and antioxidants. It can help with digestion and energy. The sesame oil in this recipe provides healthy fats. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Using fresh garlic and ginger boosts flavor and health. They help support your immune system. This dish is not only tasty but also rich in nutrients. Enjoying it can help you feel full and satisfied. You can use soft tofu, but it may not hold its shape. Firm tofu stays crispier. Soft tofu will break apart easily during cooking. This could lead to a less appealing texture. To make this dish vegan, simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options provide a sweet flavor without using animal products. That way, you can enjoy the same great taste while sticking to a vegan diet. As mentioned, maple syrup or agave nectar works great as honey substitutes. You can also try brown rice syrup. Each of these options will keep the sweet taste you crave in this recipe. To spice up the sauce, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. Start with a small amount and taste as you mix. You can always add more heat if you like it spicy! This will give your dish an exciting kick. Yes, you can prep certain parts ahead of time. Cut and press the tofu a day before. Store it in the fridge. You can also make the sauce ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just heat it up when you're ready to serve. This blog post covered how to make a tasty tofu dish from start to finish. We explored essential ingredients like firm tofu and soy sauce. I shared step-by-step directions for prepping, coating, frying, and baking for extra crispiness. Tips for storing leftovers and serving suggestions were included to make it easy for you. Tofu is healthy and filling, making it a great choice for meals. Try the recipe and enjoy customizing it with your favorite flavors!

Crispy Honey Sesame Tofu

A deliciously crispy tofu dish coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, well-drained and pressed
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted, if desired)
  • 2 pieces green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. In a mixing bowl, season the tofu cubes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • In a shallow dish, pour in the cornstarch. Take the seasoned tofu cubes and toss them in the cornstarch until they are evenly coated, ensuring all sides are covered for optimum crispiness.
  • Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to become hot, shimmering lightly, before proceeding.
  • Carefully place the coated tofu cubes into the hot oil in a single layer. Fry the tofu for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning gently with tongs or a spatula until they are golden brown and crisp. If necessary, fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Once fried, transfer the crispy tofu cubes to the lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step ensures a crunchier texture.
  • While the tofu is baking, prepare the honey sesame sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Heat gently, stirring often, until the mixture is well combined and warmed through, without coming to a boil.
  • After 10 minutes, remove the crispy tofu from the oven. Immediately transfer the tofu to a large mixing bowl, then pour the warm honey sesame sauce over it. Toss gently to ensure that each piece of tofu is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
  • For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over the coated tofu.
  • Serve your Crispy Honey Sesame Tofu right away, either over a bed of steamed rice or alongside mixed greens for a refreshing contrast.

Notes

For extra flavor, use toasted sesame seeds.
Keyword crispy, honey, sesame, tofu, vegetarian