Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu is the perfect combination of crunchy, savory, and sweet flavors. The crispy tofu is coated in a delicious honey garlic sauce with a hint of ginger, creating an irresistible dish that’s great as a main course or appetizer. Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or new to plant-based meals, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crispy Perfection: With a cornstarch coating, the tofu becomes golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender on the inside.
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Savory and Sweet: The honey garlic sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and a touch of spice, making it incredibly flavorful.
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Quick and Easy: Despite its delicious flavor, this dish is easy to make and comes together in less than 1.5 hours.
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Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a variety of serving options.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Tofu:
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1 block extra-firm tofu (about 14-16 ounces)
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½ cup cornstarch
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¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
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4-5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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½ cup cooking oil (for frying, such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
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Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
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Green onions, finely sliced (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Press the Tofu
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Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, which is key for achieving a crispy texture. Wrap the tofu in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, place it on a plate, and put a heavy object on top (such as a cast iron skillet or a stack of books).
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Press for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have the time, to remove as much liquid as possible.
Step 2: Prepare the Tofu
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Once the tofu is pressed, unwrap it and cut it into bite-sized cubes (¾ inch to 1 inch). Set aside.
Step 3: Coat the Tofu in Cornstarch
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In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated. Make sure each piece of tofu is covered in a thin layer of cornstarch. This step is essential for creating that crispy coating.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Step 5: Fry the Tofu
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Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of tofu in—it should sizzle immediately when the oil is hot.
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Add the tofu in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove the tofu from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil.
Step 6: Coat the Tofu in the Sauce
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Discard the excess oil from the skillet and wipe it clean. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
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Add the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the tofu.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
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Transfer the crispy honey garlic tofu to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
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Serve immediately while it’s hot and crispy.
Notes:
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Vegan Option: Use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
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Baking or Air Frying: For a lighter version, you can bake or air fry the tofu instead of frying. Toss the tofu with cornstarch and a small amount of oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
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Serve with: This tofu pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter, fresh meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~350-400 calories (depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying)
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Protein: 15-20 grams (tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein)
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Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams (mainly from cornstarch, honey, and soy sauce)
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Fat: 15-20 grams (from oil and sesame oil)
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Sodium: 500-600 mg (based on soy sauce, can reduce by using low-sodium soy sauce)
This Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a main course or a delicious appetizer, this recipe will deliver a crispy, savory experience every time!
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Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This crispy honey garlic tofu is the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy, with a crispy golden exterior and a flavorful glaze. It’s an easy, yet impressive dish that can be served over rice, noodles, or in bowls with vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Tofu:
1 block (14-16 oz) extra-firm tofu (pressed)
½ cup cornstarch
¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ cup cooking oil (neutral, such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Press the Tofu:
Pressing the tofu is crucial to achieving crispy texture.
Remove the tofu from the packaging, drain the liquid, and wrap it in several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Place the wrapped tofu on a plate and put a heavy object on top (such as a cast iron skillet or books). Press for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. The longer you press, the crispier the tofu will be.
2. Prepare the Tofu:
Once the tofu is pressed, unwrap and cut it into ¾ inch to 1-inch cubes (or triangles/planks if you prefer).
Coat the tofu in cornstarch by placing it in a medium bowl, sprinkling the cornstarch over the tofu, and gently tossing to coat evenly. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
Minced garlic
Grated ginger
Red pepper flakes (if using)
Sesame oil
Set the sauce aside.
4. Fry the Tofu:
Heat ½ cup cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should cover the bottom of the pan and come about ¼ inch up the sides.
Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a small piece of tofu in—it should sizzle), carefully add the cornstarch-coated tofu to the pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
Fry the tofu for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Turn the tofu gently with tongs or a slotted spoon to ensure all sides crisp up evenly. Remove the crispy tofu from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Sauce:
Once the tofu is done, discard any excess oil from the skillet and wipe it clean with a paper towel.
Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and become glossy.
6. Coat the Tofu in the Sauce:
Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet with the honey garlic sauce.
Toss the tofu gently in the sauce, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the tofu is glazed with the sauce and heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the crispy honey garlic tofu to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions (optional).
Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or in bowls with your favorite vegetables.
Notes
How to Serve Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu:
Over Rice: Serve the crispy tofu on a bed of white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a comforting and filling meal.
With Noodles: Toss with your favorite Asian noodles like lo mein, chow mein, or rice noodles. Add some stir-fried vegetables for a complete dish.
In Bowls: Create Buddha bowls or power bowls by pairing with quinoa or rice, plus roasted veggies like broccoli, sweet potatoes, and edamame.
In Lettuce Wraps: For a light, refreshing meal, serve in lettuce wraps with shredded carrots, cucumber, and cilantro.
As an Appetizer: Serve as tofu skewers or bite-sized pieces for parties or gatherings.
Additional Tips for Perfect Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu:
Press the tofu well: The drier the tofu, the crispier it will become when cooked. Pressing for an hour is ideal, but even 30 minutes will improve the texture.
Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. This ensures each tofu piece becomes crispy rather than steamed.
Adjust the sauce: Taste the honey garlic sauce before tossing the tofu in it, and adjust sweetness or tanginess to your liking by adding more honey or vinegar.
Alternative Cooking Methods:
Baking: For a healthier alternative, bake the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or air fry at the same temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
Air Fryer: Toss the tofu in cornstarch and a little oil, then air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
FAQ:
Q1: Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version.
Q2: Can I bake the tofu instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the tofu for a healthier option. Toss the tofu in cornstarch and a little oil, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q3: What kind of tofu should I use?
Use extra-firm tofu for the best crispy texture. Avoid silken tofu, as it’s too soft for frying.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, but the tofu may lose some crispiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
