Go Back
- 14 oz (400g) firm tofu - ½ cup cornstarch - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 2 green onions, chopped For this crispy honey garlic tofu, the main star is firm tofu. It gives a great texture and holds up well. You want to press it first. This step removes extra moisture. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a towel and placing something heavy on top. Let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes. Next, we coat the tofu with cornstarch. This makes it crispy when you fry it. Use about half a cup of cornstarch. Toss the tofu in it gently. Shake off any extra starch. Now, let’s talk about the sauces. Honey gives sweetness. Garlic and ginger add flavor. Soy sauce and rice vinegar bring a nice balance. Combine these in a pan after frying the tofu. You let them simmer to thicken. Finally, for garnishes, sesame seeds and green onions add a nice touch. Sprinkle these on top right before serving. They make your dish pop with color and flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to press the tofu. This step helps remove moisture. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy item on top and wait for 15 to 30 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This size helps the tofu cook evenly. Next, we will coat the tofu. In a shallow bowl, pour in the cornstarch. Take each tofu cube and toss it gently in the cornstarch. Make sure each piece is lightly coated. Shake off any extra cornstarch. This coating gives the tofu its crispy texture. Now it's time to fry the tofu. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat for best results. When the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and crispy. If your pan is small, fry in batches. After frying, remove the tofu and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. This will drain any excess oil and keep the tofu crispy. In the same pan, we will make the sauce. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Sauté these for about 30 seconds. You want them fragrant but not burnt. Then, pour in 3 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Stir everything to mix well. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. This thickens the sauce and blends the flavors. Now, it’s time to coat the tofu. Return the crispy tofu to the pan. Toss it gently in the honey garlic sauce. Make sure every piece is coated well. Cook everything for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This helps the sauce stick to the tofu. Once done, remove the pan from heat. If you like, sprinkle on some sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. Enjoy your crispy honey garlic tofu! Tofu can be tricky, but I have tips for you. First, press your tofu well. This removes extra water. The drier the tofu, the crispier it gets. After pressing, cut it into 1-inch cubes. Next, coat the tofu in cornstarch. This coating helps create a crunchy outside. When frying, use medium-high heat. This temperature is key for a golden brown color. Make sure to fry in batches. If you overcrowd the pan, the tofu won't crisp up. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes. Remove them when they are golden and crunchy. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for heat. This gives the dish a nice kick without being too spicy. You can also try adding a splash of sriracha. It pairs well with the honey and garlic. If you want to mix flavors, consider adding hoisin sauce. It gives a sweet and savory twist. You can also try teriyaki sauce as a different option. These sauces can change the taste in fun ways. Crispy honey garlic tofu is best with rice or veggies. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal. You can also pair it with sautéed greens or broccoli. They add color and nutrients to your plate. For plating, use a large white plate. This makes the crispy tofu stand out. Drizzle some extra sauce on top for flair. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions for garnish. This adds a nice touch and makes it look gourmet. Pro Tips Pressing the Tofu: Ensure that you press the tofu well to remove as much moisture as possible. This will help achieve a crispier texture when frying. Coating Technique: For an extra crispy finish, consider double-coating the tofu by dipping it in cornstarch, then in a light layer of water, and again in cornstarch before frying. Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey and balance it with a bit more soy sauce to enhance the savory flavors. Garnishing: Top the dish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions just before serving for added texture and freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish even better. First, try substituting honey with agave syrup. Agave gives a similar sweet flavor and works well in this sauce. This change makes it vegan-friendly. Next, consider using different types of tofu. Silken tofu can create a softer dish, while extra-firm tofu stays crispy longer. Want to get creative? Add an Asian-inspired twist. Mixing in sriracha adds a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can add color and crunch. Toss them in the pan just before adding the sauce for a fresh taste. If you need gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. It tastes just as good and keeps the dish safe for gluten-free diets. For a low-calorie version, reduce the amount of honey or use less oil when frying. You can still enjoy the great flavors while making healthier choices. Store leftover crispy honey garlic tofu in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours after cooking. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For best taste, eat it soon. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Wrap the tofu well in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember, freezing may change the texture a bit. To keep your tofu crispy when reheating, avoid microwaving it. Instead, use an oven or a skillet. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tofu on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. Check it often to see that it’s not drying out. If using a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook until warm. This method helps restore some crispiness. Enjoy your tasty, reheated dish! Yes, you can use different types of tofu, but it will change the dish. - Firm tofu: This is best for frying. It holds its shape and gets crispy. - Medium tofu: It’s softer and may break apart. It’s not ideal for frying. - Silken tofu: This is very soft and creamy. It won't hold up for frying at all. If you want crispy pieces, stick with firm tofu. Yes, you can make this dish vegan! Just swap out the honey. - Use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener. - Use the same amount as honey in the recipe. This keeps the sweet flavor without using honey. You can easily change the heat level to suit your taste. - If you want it mild, skip the ginger. - For medium heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. - For more heat, mix in some sriracha or chili paste. Start with small amounts, then add more as needed. Enjoy your cooking! This blog post covered how to make crispy honey garlic tofu. We discussed essential ingredients and step-by-step cooking methods. You also learned tips for perfect crispiness, flavor variations, and how to store leftovers. In closing, this tofu dish is adaptable and delicious. Try different sauces or spices to make it yours. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen!

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

A delicious and 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
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • 2 green onions chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel, place a heavy item on top, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
  • Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
  • In a shallow bowl, add the cornstarch. Gently toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch until lightly coated. Shake off any excess.
  • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated tofu cubes in a single layer.
  • Fry the tofu for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan. Remove the crispy tofu from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, stirring to combine.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
  • Return the crispy tofu to the pan, tossing it gently in the honey garlic sauce until well coated. Make sure every piece is nicely coated.
  • Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through and allow the sauce to adhere to the tofu.
  • Remove from heat. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for garnish.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
Keyword crispy, honey garlic, tofu, vegetarian