Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu (Printable)
Golden crunchy tofu cubes in sweet savory honey garlic sauce
# What You'll Need:
→ Tofu
01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu
02 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
03 - 2 tsp cornstarch
04 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
→ Honey Garlic Sauce
05 - 3 tbsp honey
06 - 3 tbsp soy sauce
07 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 tsp rice vinegar
09 - 1 tsp sesame oil
10 - 1 tbsp water
11 - 1 tsp cornstarch
→ Garnish
12 - 2 green onions, sliced
13 - 1 tsp sesame seeds
# How to Cook:
01 - Drain the tofu and press for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into ¾-inch cubes.
02 - In a bowl, gently toss tofu cubes with 1 tbsp soy sauce and let sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 tsp cornstarch and toss until evenly coated.
03 - Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange tofu in a single layer and fry, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides, about 10–12 minutes. Remove and set aside.
04 - While the tofu fries, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, and 1 tsp cornstarch in a small bowl.
05 - Pour the sauce mixture into the empty skillet. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
06 - Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated in the sauce.
07 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cornstarch coating trick turns ordinary tofu into something with the crunch of fried chicken without any deep frying.
- That honey garlic sauce comes together in three minutes and tastes like something from a restaurant kitchen.
02 -
- Wet tofu is the enemy of crispiness so press it thoroughly or you will end up steaming it instead of frying it.
- Do not crowd the pan because the tofu needs breathing room to brown properly rather than stewing in its own moisture.
03 -
- Freeze your tofu first then thaw and press it for a sponge-like texture that absorbs even more flavor and crisps up dramatically.
- Toss the tofu in cornstarch inside a zip-top bag and shake vigorously for the most even coating with zero mess.