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- Firm Tofu - Cornstarch - Vegetable Oil - Honey - Minced Garlic - Soy Sauce - Rice Vinegar - Sesame Oil - Freshly Grated Ginger - Green Onions - Sesame Seeds To make Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu, start with firm tofu. The texture is key for crunch. You will need cornstarch to coat the tofu. This helps it fry up crispy. Vegetable oil is essential for frying. Honey adds sweetness to the dish. Minced garlic packs a flavorful punch. Soy sauce gives a savory depth. Rice vinegar adds a tangy touch. Sesame oil brings a nutty flavor. Freshly grated ginger gives a fresh zest. Green onions add a nice pop of color. Finally, sesame seeds are perfect for garnishing. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a delightful meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by draining the tofu. Remove as much water as you can. Press it tightly for about 15 minutes. This step is key for a crispier bite. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Aim for even pieces to help them cook evenly. In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch. Make sure each piece is coated well. This layer helps create that crispy texture we all love. Be gentle while tossing to keep the tofu intact. Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Carefully place the tofu cubes in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally for even cooking. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra oil. In a separate bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and freshly grated ginger. Whisk until it’s smooth and well-mixed. This sauce brings all the flavors together. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the honey garlic sauce and let it simmer for about one minute. You want it to bubble and smell amazing. Carefully add the crispy tofu back into the skillet. Gently toss to coat each piece in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the tofu. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the glazed tofu to a serving dish. For a lovely touch, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds crunch and visual appeal. Serve it beautifully on a colorful plate with fluffy jasmine rice. Enjoy every delightful bite! - Importance of Pressing Tofu Pressing tofu is key. It removes extra moisture, which helps the tofu get crispy. Use a tofu press or wrap it in a clean towel. Place something heavy on top for about 15-30 minutes. This step ensures your tofu is firm and ready to fry. - Tips for Coating Coat the tofu gently with cornstarch. Toss it in a bowl until each piece is covered. Be careful not to break the tofu. A thin layer gives a nice crunch when fried. Avoid clumps to ensure even cooking. - Suggestions for Additional Seasonings Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can enhance the taste. Experiment with these to find what you love best. - Pairing Ideas with Sides Serve your crispy honey garlic tofu with fluffy jasmine rice. Steamed broccoli or snap peas add color and nutrition. You can also pair it with a fresh cucumber salad for a light touch. Pro Tips Press Tofu Well: Ensure the tofu is pressed thoroughly to remove as much moisture as possible. This helps achieve a crispier texture when frying. Control the Heat: Fry the tofu on medium-high heat. Too low will make it soggy, while too high can burn it. Find the sweet spot for perfect crispiness! Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor in your sauce. They will enhance the overall taste of the dish significantly. Garnish Generously: Don't skimp on the green onions and sesame seeds! They add not only flavor but also a beautiful presentation to your dish. {{image_4}} Want some heat? You can add red pepper flakes. Just mix them into the sauce. Start with a pinch and taste it. You can increase the amount based on your spice level. The spicy flakes will give the dish a nice kick. They blend well with the sweet honey. This variation makes your tofu even more exciting! If you want to keep it vegan, try substituting agave nectar. It has a similar sweetness to honey. Use the same amount as you would honey. Agave nectar will create a smooth sauce. It keeps the dish sweet and tasty. This way, you can enjoy honey garlic tofu without using animal products! Not a fan of tofu? No problem! You can use tempeh or seitan instead. Tempeh has a nutty flavor and a firm texture. Cut it into similar cubes. Seitan is chewy and absorbs flavors well. Both options work great in this dish. They will give you a different texture while keeping the taste delicious! To store your crispy honey garlic tofu, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools completely before sealing. This helps to keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. The tofu may soften when stored, but the flavor will still be great. To reheat your tofu while keeping it crispy, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tofu on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10 minutes or until it’s hot and crispy again. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it will make the tofu soggy. You can freeze crispy honey garlic tofu, but it may lose some texture. To freeze, place the cooled tofu in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour or until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. It can stay frozen for up to three months. To thaw, move the tofu to the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the methods mentioned above for the best results. To make tofu crispy, start with firm tofu. You need to drain and press it well. This removes excess moisture. Cut the tofu into even cubes. Toss the cubes in cornstarch. This coating helps create a crunchy texture. Fry the coated tofu in hot oil. Cook until golden brown on all sides. Yes, you can use different sauces! You might try teriyaki or sweet chili sauce. Each option brings a new flavor. Experimenting can lead to tasty surprises. Adjust the sweetness or spice to your liking. Just make sure to coat the tofu well. You can serve honey garlic tofu with fluffy rice. Jasmine rice pairs well with the sauce. You might also add steamed veggies or a fresh salad. Noodles are another great option. For a burst of flavor, try garnishing with herbs. Yes, this recipe is excellent for meal prep! Cook the tofu and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately to keep the tofu crispy. You can warm it up later. This dish stays tasty and fresh for a few days in the fridge. This blog post walks you through creating crispy honey garlic tofu. We covered the essential ingredients, from firm tofu to sesame seeds. You learned how to prepare, coat, and fry the tofu perfectly. We also discussed tasty sauce options and garnishing tips to enhance your dish. Remember, you can customize flavors and use leftovers efficiently. This recipe is perfect for meal prep and pairs well with many sides. Enjoy making this delicious dish and impressing your friends and family!

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
  

  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, thoroughly drained and pressed
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch
  • 0.25 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • none Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Tofu: Start by thoroughly draining the tofu and pressing it to eliminate any extra moisture. This step is vital for a firmer texture. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, aiming for even pieces for consistent cooking.
  • Coat the Tofu: In a mixing bowl, gently toss the cubed tofu in cornstarch until evenly coated. This coating creates a delightful crispy texture when fried. Be gentle to avoid breaking the tofu.
  • Fry the Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it's shimmering. Carefully place the tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn a golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking. Once they are crispy, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
  • Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and freshly grated ginger. Whisk together until well mixed and smooth, ensuring all ingredients are evenly blended.
  • Combine Tofu and Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the honey garlic sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about one minute, just until it becomes fragrant and begins to bubble.
  • Coat the Tofu: Carefully return the crispy tofu to the skillet, gently tossing it to coat all the pieces in the honey garlic sauce. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the tofu.
  • Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the glazed tofu to a serving dish. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

Serve with jasmine rice and garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Keyword crispy, honey garlic, tofu, vegan