Description
Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu delivers golden, crunchy tofu tossed in a sticky-sweet, garlicky glaze. It’s weeknight-fast, kid-friendly, and easy to meal-prep—perfect over rice, noodles, or a veggie stir-fry. Naturally vegetarian with gluten-free and vegan swaps.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu:
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
For the Coating:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or neutral oil)
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken)
Garnish (optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Press the Tofu: Wrap tofu in a clean towel and weigh down. Press at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cut & Coat: Cube tofu. Toss with 2 tablespoons cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Pan-Fry: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add tofu in a single layer; cook 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Make Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger (optional), and water. Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken: Stir in 1 teaspoon cornstarch; simmer 30–60 seconds until glossy and slightly thickened.
- Toss: Return tofu to skillet. Pour sauce over and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Notes
- Extra crispy tips: Press tofu well, don’t overcrowd the pan, and let each side sear undisturbed.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce.
- Vegan swap: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave.
- Baked option: Toss coated tofu with a drizzle of oil; bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Variations: Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat; sub orange juice for vinegar for an orange glaze; stir in a spoon of peanut butter for a nutty twist.
- Meal prep: Keep sauce and tofu separate until reheating to preserve crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: crispy honey garlic tofu, garlic tofu, sweet tofu recipes, vegetarian dinner, gluten-free option, easy tofu recipe, stir fry tofu