Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

$- 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed - 3 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) The key to this dish is the balance of flavors. Firm tofu works best. It holds its shape and absorbs the sauce well. Cornstarch gives the tofu a crispy exterior. This crunch makes each bite satisfying. For the sauce, garlic adds warmth. Honey or maple syrup brings sweetness. Soy sauce adds umami, making it rich. Rice vinegar gives a bit of tang. Ginger adds freshness and a slight zing. Sesame oil rounds it all out with its nutty flavor. Garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds add color and crunch. They make the dish look inviting and taste even better. Check out the Full Recipe for precise amounts and tips on cooking this dish to perfection. - Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. - Toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated. First, you need to prepare the tofu. Start by cutting your firm tofu into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly and get crispy. Then, toss the cubes in cornstarch until they are well coated. The cornstarch gives the tofu a nice crunch when you fry it. - Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. - Cook tofu cubes until golden brown and crispy. Next, heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook the tofu until it turns golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Make sure not to crowd the pan. This helps each piece get that perfect crispiness. - Sauté minced garlic in the skillet. - Whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and sesame oil. - Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened. After cooking the tofu, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells great. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the garlic and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This thickens the sauce and makes it rich and flavorful. - Toss the crispy tofu with the honey garlic sauce. - Cook for an additional few minutes until heated through. Finally, add the crispy tofu back into the skillet. Toss it well in the honey garlic sauce until it is fully coated. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes to heat through. This step locks in all the flavors, making every bite delicious. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to impress your family and friends! - Best oils for frying tofu: I like to use vegetable oil or canola oil. They have high smoke points and work well for frying. You can also try peanut oil for a nutty taste. - How to achieve extra crispiness: To make your tofu extra crispy, coat it well in cornstarch. Make sure to press the tofu well to remove moisture. Fry it in a hot pan, giving each piece space to cook evenly. - Suggestions for additional herbs and spices: You can add chili flakes for heat or fresh basil for a different twist. Try adding black pepper for a bit of spice, too. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have. - Leftover sauce ideas: If you have extra sauce, use it as a dressing for salads or drizzle it over steamed veggies. It’s great for adding flavor to rice or quinoa dishes, too. - Pairing with jasmine rice or quinoa: Serve your crispy honey garlic tofu over a bed of jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa. Both options soak up the sauce well and make the meal more filling. - Complementary side dishes: For sides, consider stir-fried bok choy or steamed broccoli. A fresh cucumber salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with a light soup for a complete meal. {{image_2}} To make this dish vegan, swap the honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup has a similar sweetness. You can also use agave nectar or brown rice syrup for a tasty twist. These options give you that rich flavor without using any animal products. If you want to change up the protein, try tempeh or seitan. Tempeh has a nutty taste, while seitan is chewy and hearty. Both cook quickly, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Tempeh takes about 6-7 minutes, while seitan might take 4-5 minutes to brown nicely. Want to spice things up? Add chili flakes to the sauce for heat. You can also use chili garlic sauce for extra flavor. Mix in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition. They cook quickly and make the dish colorful and healthy. After cooking your crispy honey garlic tofu, let it cool down first. Cooling helps prevent moisture build-up, which can make the tofu soggy. Place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb extra oil. Once it’s cool, transfer it to a container. Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. This keeps the tofu fresh and flavorful. To store leftovers, place the tofu in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It stays good for about three to four days. If you want to freeze it, first cut the tofu into pieces. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, bake or pan-fry until crispy again. You can also microwave it, but it might not be as crispy. In the fridge, crispy honey garlic tofu lasts about three to four days. Look for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or has a slimy texture, throw it out. Proper storage helps maintain its taste and quality. Enjoy your leftovers while they’re fresh! For the full recipe, check out the details shared earlier. To make crispy tofu, start with firm tofu. Drain and press it to remove excess water. This step is key for texture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Coat these cubes in cornstarch to create a crispy crust. Use a hot non-stick skillet with oil for frying. Cook each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. This method locks in moisture and gives you a crunchy bite. Yes, you can make honey garlic tofu in advance. Prepare the tofu and sauce separately. Store the tofu in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the sauce in another container. When ready to eat, reheat the tofu in a skillet. Add the sauce to warm it up. This method keeps your dish fresh and tasty. Crispy honey garlic tofu pairs well with many sides. Jasmine rice or quinoa is a great base. They soak up the sauce and add flavor. You can also add steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas. A simple salad with a tangy dressing works well too. These sides enhance the meal's balance and nutrition. Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Brands like Tamari offer a great option. Always check the label to be sure. This swap keeps the dish safe for those with gluten allergies. You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce. Use less honey if you want it less sweet. Maple syrup is a great vegan option that can also work. If you prefer, try adding a sugar substitute like agave. Taste the sauce as you go to find the balance you like best. This recipe for crispy honey garlic tofu combines simple ingredients and easy steps. You learned how to make a tasty dish using tofu, a delicious sauce, and helpful tips. Don’t forget to try variations and explore different proteins. Storing leftovers properly helps to keep your food fresh. Experiment with flavors and serving options to make this dish yours. Cooking should be fun and tasty! Enjoy your cooking adventure with crispy honey garlic tofu.$

Discover the perfect blend of flavors with this Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu recipe that will elevate your plant-based meals! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll create golden, crispy tofu coated in a delicious honey garlic sauce that everyone will love. Perfect for dinner or meal prep, this dish is both healthy and satisfying.

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Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Start by cutting the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.

In a medium bowl, toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.

Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and sesame oil.

Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic, stirring well to incorporate. Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet, tossing to coat the tofu with the honey garlic sauce thoroughly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 25 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy honey garlic tofu over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delightful crunch. Enjoy!