Honey Garlic Sesame Tofu

$- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 4 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 2 green onions, finely chopped - 1 cup broccoli florets (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste When I make Honey Garlic Sesame Tofu, I start with the main ingredients. The extra-firm tofu is key. It holds its shape and gives a great bite. Pressing the tofu removes moisture, making it crispier when cooked. I mix honey or maple syrup with soy sauce for a sweet and salty flavor. The garlic adds a nice kick, while fresh ginger gives it warmth. For extra richness, I use sesame oil. It adds depth to the dish. I also add sesame seeds for crunch and green onions for freshness. If you want, toss in broccoli for color and nutrition. I always keep salt and pepper handy. They help enhance the flavors. With these ingredients, you have the perfect base for a quick and tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you want the tofu to have a great texture. First, you need to press it. To press tofu, wrap the block in a clean towel. Place a heavy object on top for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step helps remove excess moisture. After pressing, it’s time to cube the tofu. Cut the block into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Next, let’s make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together these key ingredients: honey or maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix them well. Set the sauce aside for now. The flavors will blend nicely while you cook the tofu. Now, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil. Wait until the oil is hot, then add the cubed tofu. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the tofu. Cook the tofu for about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the pieces occasionally. You want them golden brown on all sides. If you want to add broccoli, do it now. Add it to the skillet during the last 3 minutes of cooking. This way, it stays tender but crisp. Finally, pour the honey garlic sauce over the tofu and broccoli. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Enjoy the aroma as the flavors meld together! Pressing tofu is key for great texture. It helps remove extra moisture. If you skip this step, the tofu may be soggy. Wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top for 15-20 minutes. This makes a big difference in how it cooks. The best cooking methods for tofu include frying and baking. I prefer pan-frying for a crispy outside. Use a non-stick skillet to avoid sticking. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add sesame oil, then the cubed tofu. Cook until golden brown on all sides. You can switch honey with other sweeteners. Maple syrup works well as a vegan option. Agave syrup is another good choice. Each sweetener gives a unique taste, so feel free to experiment. To enhance flavors, try adding spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. A dash of rice vinegar can brighten the sauce. You can also include a bit of hoisin sauce for depth. Mix and match until you find your favorite blend. Pair your Honey Garlic Sesame Tofu with rice or quinoa. Both are great options for soaking up the sauce. For a colorful plate, add steamed broccoli or other veggies. Garnishing can elevate your dish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for crunch. Add finely chopped green onions for color and flavor. These small touches make your meal look and taste amazing. Pro Tips Press Tofu Thoroughly: Make sure to press the tofu long enough to remove excess moisture, as this will help it absorb the flavors of the sauce better and achieve a crispier texture when cooked. Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup in the sauce according to your taste preference. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like agave nectar for a unique flavor. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic and grated ginger. These ingredients enhance the overall taste of the dish and bring out the aromatic qualities. Garnish for Presentation: Don’t skip the sesame seeds and green onions as garnish. They not only add a pop of color to your dish but also contribute additional texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Instead of honey, use maple syrup. It gives a nice sweetness. Maple syrup works well and keeps the flavor intact. For a soy-free option, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari has a similar taste and is perfect for those avoiding gluten. Want to switch things up? Try adding other veggies. Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas bring color and taste. You can also use different proteins. Chickpeas or seitan work great. They soak up the sauce and add more texture. Feeling adventurous? Create sweet and spicy flavors. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This gives a nice kick. You can also make a citrus-infused honey garlic sauce. Just add some fresh lime or lemon juice. This brightens the dish and adds a zesty touch. To keep your honey garlic sesame tofu fresh, store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it right after the meal to avoid spoilage. Leftovers can last for 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure the tofu is cool before sealing it. When reheating, aim to keep the tofu crispy. The best method is to use a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of sesame oil to help restore the crispness. Avoid using the microwave, as this can make the tofu soggy. Heat it gently and turn the pieces often to warm evenly. You can freeze cooked honey garlic sesame tofu for up to two months. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the tofu may expand. When ready to eat, thaw the tofu in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use your skillet method again. This will help preserve the flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious tofu meal even after freezing! Use extra-firm tofu for this dish. It holds its shape well during cooking. The firmer texture gives a nice bite and absorbs flavors better. You can find extra-firm tofu in most grocery stores. Look for brands that have high protein content for the best results. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store the tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you use the microwave, cover the tofu to keep it moist. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the texture nice. This tofu pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Stir-fried vegetables - A fresh salad - Noodles with sesame dressing Feel free to mix and match these sides for a full meal! This recipe for Honey Garlic Sesame Tofu is simple and tasty. You learned how to prepare and cook tofu while making a delicious sauce. I shared tips to perfect the texture and offered variations to fit your needs. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serve it with rice or veggies. Cooking tofu can be fun, tasty, and healthy, so dive in and make this dish today!$

A delicious and easy tofu dish with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
4 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions finely chopped
1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes.
While the tofu is pressing, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes.
Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil. Once hot, add the cubed tofu and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook the tofu pieces for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides.
If using broccoli, add it to the skillet with the tofu during the last 3 minutes of cooking, so that it becomes tender yet crisp.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the tofu (and broccoli, if added) and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the tofu before serving for added flavor and crunch.

Notes

Serve the tofu on a platter, garnished with extra sesame seeds and green onions. Pair it with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Keyword honey garlic, sesame, tofu, vegetarian