Description
This Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunchy texture. Made with extra firm tofu, coated in cornstarch, and cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop, it’s then tossed in a sticky honey garlic sauce accented with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this Asian-inspired vegetarian dish is quick to prepare and ideal served over rice or noodles for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Coating
- 14 ounces extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Pat the extra firm tofu dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated, which helps achieve a crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Tofu: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry the tofu, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, red pepper flakes if using, and 2 tablespoons of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the skillet. Stir continuously and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Tofu and Sauce: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the thickened honey garlic sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tofu to heat through completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the tofu before serving. Enjoy the dish hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Press the tofu well before cooking to ensure maximum crispiness.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Serving this dish over rice or noodles complements it perfectly and makes it a satisfying meal.
