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- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and diced into 1-inch cubes - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower) - 1/4 cup honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated Tofu is the star here. You want firm tofu for a nice texture. Pressing it removes extra water. This step is key for crispiness. Cornstarch coats the tofu. It creates a crunchy shell during frying. The honey adds sweetness and flavor. Garlic brings a savory punch. Soy sauce adds depth. Rice vinegar gives a nice tang, balancing the sweetness. Fresh ginger adds warmth. - Sesame seeds - Chopped green onions These garnishes make the dish pop. Sesame seeds add crunch and a nutty taste. Chopped green onions add color and a fresh bite. They make your dish look and taste better. - Vegetable oil - Cornstarch Vegetable oil is important for frying. It helps achieve that golden, crispy finish. Cornstarch, as mentioned, is essential for coating. It locks in moisture while adding crispiness. {{ingredient_image_2}} Pressing the Tofu Start by pressing the tofu. This step helps remove extra moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy object on top, like a cast-iron skillet. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. This makes the tofu firmer and crisper. Cutting the Tofu into Cubes Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into cubes. Aim for 1-inch pieces. This size helps the tofu cook evenly. You want each piece to get crispy and soak up the sauce. Cornstarch Coating Next, coat the tofu cubes with cornstarch. Place the cubes in a large bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over them. Toss gently until each cube is coated. This cornstarch layer is key to a crunchy texture when frying. Frying Process and Timing Now, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking. Carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the tofu. Set it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sautéing the Garlic In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir regularly to keep it from burning. You want it fragrant but not browned. Combining Sauce Ingredients Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Stir well to mix all the ingredients. Allow the sauce to cook for one minute. This thickens the sauce slightly. It adds a rich flavor to the dish. - Importance of Pressing Tofu Pressing tofu is key for crispy bites. It removes excess water. This step helps the tofu soak up flavor. It also helps the tofu brown well when cooked. Wrap the tofu in a towel and place a weight on it. Press for at least 30 minutes. This gives you the best texture. - Proper Coating Technique Coating the tofu in cornstarch is vital. It creates a crunchy crust. After pressing, cut tofu into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle cornstarch on top. Gently toss to coat each cube evenly. This simple step is what makes the tofu crispy. - Oil Temperature The right oil temperature is important for frying. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. You want it shimmering before adding tofu. If oil is too cool, the tofu will not crisp up. Hot oil helps create that golden-brown crust. - Timing for Best Results Timing is crucial during frying. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. Watch for a golden color. This ensures the tofu is crispy on all sides. Take your time; don’t rush this step. - Pairing Ideas Serve crispy honey garlic tofu with steamed rice. It also pairs well with stir-fried vegetables. You can even add it to a fresh salad. The tofu adds protein and flavor to any dish. - Presentation Tips For a beautiful look, use a large white platter. This makes the dish pop. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for color. It makes your meal inviting and fun to eat. Pro Tips Press the Tofu Well: Ensure that the tofu is pressed thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispier texture when frying. Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to ensure it’s hot enough before adding tofu. If the oil isn't hot enough, the tofu will absorb too much oil and won't crisp up. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the ingredients to reduce it further before tossing in the tofu. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and ginger for a more vibrant flavor profile. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in enhancing the dish's overall taste. {{image_4}} You can switch out tofu for other proteins. Tempeh is a great choice. It has a nutty flavor and a firm texture. Just cut it into cubes like tofu and follow the same steps. If you prefer meat, shrimp or chicken works too. For shrimp, cook them until they turn pink. For chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces and fry until golden. Both options absorb the honey garlic sauce well. You may not have honey at home. Maple syrup or agave can replace it. Both give a sweet taste but offer a different twist. Use them in the same amount as honey for a yummy result. If you need a soy sauce substitute, try coconut aminos. It’s soy-free and adds a nice flavor without the saltiness. This option is great for those watching their sodium intake. Want to spice things up? Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce. This will give your dish a kick without overpowering the sweetness. Just a little goes a long way! You can also add herbs and seasonings. Fresh basil or cilantro adds brightness. Try a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a crunchy texture. These small changes make your dish even more exciting! To keep your crispy honey garlic tofu fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration Tips: Allow the tofu to cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to 3 days. - Freezing Guidance: Freezing is possible but may affect the texture. If you freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months. Reheating tofu can be tricky. Here’s how to do it right: - Best Methods for Reheating Tofu: Use an oven or skillet. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes. If using a skillet, heat it over medium heat. Add a bit of oil and cook until hot. - Avoiding Sogginess: To prevent sogginess, avoid microwaving. This method makes the tofu lose its crispiness. Knowing how long tofu lasts is key: - How Long It Lasts in the Fridge: Crispy honey garlic tofu lasts about 3 days in the fridge. After that, it may go bad. - Signs of Spoilage: Watch for off smells, mold, or changes in texture. If it looks or smells bad, throw it away. You can easily make this dish vegan by using substitutes for honey. A great option is maple syrup. It has a similar sweetness and will work well in the sauce. Another choice is agave nectar. It also adds a nice flavor without the animal product. This tofu pairs well with many side dishes. Some recommended options include: - Steamed rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Quinoa - Noodles - A fresh salad These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the tofu. Yes, you can use different types of tofu. The recipe works best with firm or extra firm tofu. Firm tofu has a good texture and holds up well when cooked. Extra firm tofu is even denser and has less water. It will give you an even crispier bite. Choose based on your preference! In this blog post, we explored how to make Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu. We discussed the main ingredients, like tofu, honey, garlic, and soy sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. You learned tips for achieving that perfect crispy texture. We also talked about variations and how to store leftovers properly. Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu is not just tasty; it’s also versatile and easy to make. Enjoy trying out your own flavor twists and serving ideas!

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

A deliciously crispy tofu dish coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower)
  • 1 cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • none sesame seeds, for garnish
  • none chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to eliminate excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy object on top (like a cast-iron skillet) for about 30 minutes. Once this is done, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  • Coat the Tofu: Place the cubed tofu in a large bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu cubes and gently toss them until they are evenly coated. This coating is crucial for achieving the desired crispy texture during frying.
  • Fry the Tofu: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, carefully add the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry the tofu for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side or until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  • Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring regularly until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
  • Combine Ingredients: Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients and allow the sauce to cook for an additional minute, letting it thicken slightly.
  • Toss the Tofu: Gently reintroduce the crispy tofu back into the skillet with the honey garlic sauce. Toss carefully to ensure that each piece of tofu is well-coated in the sauce. Allow it to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring it is heated through and every nugget is enveloped in the delicious sauce.
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. For the finishing touch, generously sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top of the dish. Serve hot as a delightful main or side dish.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword honey garlic, tofu, vegetarian