Spicy Honey Garlic Tofu Bites

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed - 1/4 cup honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish This dish starts with firm tofu. You need to drain and press it well. This step helps the tofu soak up flavors. The honey brings natural sweetness. Garlic adds a punch! Together, they create a rich sauce. For cooking, you need vegetable oil. It helps fry the tofu and makes it crispy. Cornstarch is key for a crunchy texture. Don't skip it! Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth. Now, let's spice it up! Sriracha gives heat. You can adjust it based on your taste. Rice vinegar adds tanginess. Ground ginger gives warmth. Black pepper adds a hint of spice. Finally, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and crunch. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy tofu. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking. 3. Drain and press the tofu to remove excess water. This makes it firmer. 4. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Aim for even pieces for even cooking. 1. Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu cubes. Make sure each piece is coated well. 2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. 3. Add tofu cubes in batches. Fry until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Flip them to cook all sides. 4. Remove the crispy tofu and place it on the prepared baking sheet. 1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper. 2. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Stir often as it simmers. 3. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. This adds great flavor. 1. Pour the sauce over the tofu on the baking sheet. Toss to coat each piece. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The sauce should caramelize and get sticky. 3. Turn the tofu halfway through to ensure even cooking. 4. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. To get your tofu crispy, pressing it is key. Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes. This helps to remove extra moisture. The drier the tofu, the crispier it will be when cooked. Use a good oil for frying. I recommend vegetable oil or peanut oil. They have high smoke points. This means they can handle high heat without burning. Want more heat? Add extra sriracha to your sauce. Start with one tablespoon and taste it. You can always add more. You can also add other flavors. A splash of lime juice brightens the sauce. Try adding some zest for even more flavor. These tofu bites pair well with rice. You can also serve them with steamed veggies. For dips, try soy sauce or a spicy mayo. A fresh salad on the side is also great. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Press Tofu Well: Ensure you press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture when cooked. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your spice preference. You can also substitute with a milder sauce if desired. Evenly Coat Tofu: When sprinkling cornstarch on tofu, use a gentle tossing motion to ensure each piece is evenly coated without breaking them. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the tofu bites immediately after baking while they are still hot and crispy. {{image_2}} To make this dish vegan, simply swap out honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup gives a lovely sweetness that fits perfectly with the garlic and spicy flavors. It’s a great choice for those who avoid animal products. Use the same amount, 1/4 cup, in your sauce for a perfect balance. You can try different sauces instead of honey garlic. Teriyaki sauce is a tasty option. It adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with tofu. You can also explore sweet chili sauce for a nice kick. Just remember to adjust the amount of sriracha if you want it spicier. Feel free to mix up the ingredients! You can use other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. They add great texture and color. If you're not into tofu, try chickpeas or tempeh for a protein boost. These swaps keep the dish fresh and exciting every time you make it. To keep your spicy honey garlic tofu bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Place the container in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If they lose some crunch, don’t worry! You can bring back the crispiness when reheating. To reheat the tofu bites, use the oven or a skillet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bites on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until hot. If using a skillet, add a bit of oil. Heat over medium heat and cook until warmed through. This will help keep them crispy! If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled tofu bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for a few hours. Once they are frozen, put them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. To make tofu crispy, start with firm tofu. Press it well to remove excess water. This step is key. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Coat each piece with cornstarch. This will help create a crispy outer layer. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Fry the tofu cubes until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. This method gives you a nice crunch. Baking the tofu after frying adds extra crispiness too. Yes, you can make Spicy Honey Garlic Tofu Bites ahead of time. Cook the tofu and prepare the sauce. Store the tofu and sauce separately in the fridge. This keeps each part fresh. When you’re ready to eat, combine the tofu and sauce and bake them together. You can also reheat the tofu in the oven to keep it crispy. These tofu bites pair well with many side dishes. Serve them with rice for a hearty meal. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. You can also try steamed veggies for a healthy touch. For something fun, serve with dipping sauces like sweet chili or peanut sauce. These options enhance the meal and add flavor. You now know how to prepare Spicy Honey Garlic Tofu Bites. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember to press the tofu well for a crispy result. Don't hesitate to adjust the sauce to match your taste. You can also try different sauces or serve with rice and veggies. Enjoy your cooking and explore all the tasty options. Your kitchen will become a hub of flavor!$

Spicy Honey Garlic Tofu Bites

Crispy tofu bites coated in a sweet and spicy honey garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 pieces green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and sprinkle with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in batches, cooking until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes total. Remove and place the tofu on the prepared baking sheet.
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the crispy tofu bites on the baking sheet and gently toss to coat each piece fully.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and sticky, turning the tofu halfway through.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Adjust sriracha to taste for desired spiciness.

Keyword appetizer, honey garlic, spicy, tofu