Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu (Printable Version)
Golden crispy tofu cubes glazed in sweet honey garlic sauce. Perfect meatless main ready in 40 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Tofu
01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu
02 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
03 - 2 teaspoons cornstarch
04 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Honey Garlic Sauce
05 - 3 tablespoons honey
06 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
07 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
10 - 1 tablespoon water
11 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch
→ Garnish
12 - 2 green onions, sliced
13 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
# Directions:
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 the tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and let sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons cornstarch and toss until evenly coated.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and fry, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides, about 10 to 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 teaspoon cornstarch in a small bowl.
05 - Pour the sauce mixture into the empty skillet. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly in the sauce.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cornstarch coating creates a shatteringly crisp crust that holds up even after being tossed in sauce, which is the secret most restaurant versions rely on.
- Everything comes together in forty minutes with pantry staples you probably already have.
02 -
- Do not skip pressing the tofu because even five extra minutes of pressing can be the difference between soggy and shatteringly crisp.
- If the sauce looks too thin after two minutes, give it another thirty seconds because cornstarch based sauces thicken dramatically right at the end.
03 -
- Toss the tofu with cornstarch in a zip top bag instead of a bowl because it coats more evenly and saves you from dusty countertops.
- Resist the urge to stir the tofu constantly while frying because flipping it only when each side is deeply browned is how you get that perfect crust.