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- Firm tofu and its preparation: I love using firm tofu for this dish. It holds its shape well and gets crispy when cooked. To start, press the tofu to remove extra moisture. This step is key for getting that perfect crunch. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. - Sweeteners: honey vs. maple syrup: For the sweet taste, you can use honey or maple syrup. Honey gives a rich flavor, while maple syrup is a great vegan choice. Both options add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors. - Other essential ingredients: You will also need soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. Soy sauce adds saltiness, while garlic gives a nice aroma. Rice vinegar brings a bit of tanginess to the sauce. Don’t forget sesame oil; it adds a nutty taste that enhances the dish. - Chopped green onions: After cooking, I like to sprinkle chopped green onions on top. They add a fresh crunch and a pop of color. - Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives a nice finish. They add a bit of texture and make the dish look fancy. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. This step is key to getting crispy tofu. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Next, coat the tofu with cornstarch. Place the cubed tofu in a bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu. Toss gently to coat all sides well. This coating helps create a crispy texture when frying. Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer when hot. Carefully add the coated tofu cubes. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color to know they are ready. Once crispy, remove the tofu and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. This step helps soak up extra oil. In the same skillet, turn down the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Next, add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce. Now, return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Gently toss the tofu in the honey garlic sauce. Cook for an additional minute to ensure every piece is well-coated. This makes the tofu rich and flavorful. To get the best crispy texture, start with firm tofu. Press it well to remove extra water. This step is key. - Heat your oil in a non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. - Carefully add the coated tofu cubes. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side. - Look for a golden brown color. This means they are crispy and ready. If you want to try other cooking methods, consider air frying or baking. - For air frying, coat the tofu with cornstarch and spray it lightly with oil. Cook at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. - For baking, preheat to 400°F. Place the tofu on a lined baking tray. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. If you want a vegan option, you can swap honey for maple syrup. It gives a similar sweetness. For those needing gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari tastes great and fits well in this recipe. Experiment with these substitutions to make the dish your own! Pro Tips Press Tofu Thoroughly: Make sure to press the tofu for at least 15-30 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture when frying. Use High Heat: Ensure your oil is hot before adding the tofu. This helps create a nice sear and prevents the tofu from sticking to the pan. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or garlic level in the sauce to suit your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can also give it a spicy kick! Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip the garnishes! Chopped green onions and sesame seeds not only enhance the presentation but also add extra flavor and texture to the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your crispy honey garlic tofu. Here are some fun ideas: - Spicy Options: If you like heat, add some chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce. This spice gives the dish a nice kick. You can start with a little and add more to suit your taste. - Adding Vegetables: Throw in some colorful veggies like bell peppers or broccoli when making the sauce. They add great crunch and nutrition. Just chop them up and stir them in before adding the tofu. Now, let's talk about how to serve this dish. - Pairing with Rice, Noodles, or Salad: Serve your crispy honey garlic tofu over fluffy rice or noodles. You can also place it on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh salad. - Creating a Honey Garlic Tofu Bowl: For a fun meal, build a honey garlic tofu bowl. Start with a base of rice or quinoa. Then, add the tofu and your choice of veggies. Drizzle extra honey garlic sauce on top for more flavor. Finish with some green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful look. To keep your crispy honey garlic tofu fresh, follow these steps: - Let the tofu cool completely before storing. - Place it in an airtight container. - Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, it's best to store the tofu and the sauce separately. This keeps it from getting soggy. To keep your tofu crispy when reheating, try these methods: - Use a skillet over medium heat. This method brings back the crunch. - You can also use an air fryer if you have one. It works great for reheating. Avoid using a microwave, as it makes the tofu soggy. It's best to reheat in small batches to keep the texture nice. Can I freeze crispy honey garlic tofu? Yes, you can freeze crispy honey garlic tofu. First, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or skillet for best results. This keeps the tofu crispy. How do I make tofu less watery before cooking? To make tofu less watery, start by pressing it. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel or paper towels. Place a heavy object on top, like a skillet or a can. Let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps to squeeze out the excess water. After pressing, cut it into cubes and you're ready to cook! Less water means better texture and flavor. What's the best oil for frying tofu? The best oil for frying tofu is vegetable oil. It has a high smoke point, which helps achieve a crispy texture. You can also use canola or peanut oil. Avoid oils with strong flavors, as they can change the taste of your dish. Using the right oil makes a big difference. How do I know when the tofu is cooked properly? You know the tofu is cooked properly when it is golden brown and crispy on all sides. Fry it for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You can use a fork to check if it is firm. If it feels soft or mushy, it needs more time. The right color and texture show it’s ready to enjoy! This blog post covered everything you need to know about making crispy honey garlic tofu. We explored the key ingredients, from firm tofu to tasty sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the dish, as well as tips for achieving maximum crispiness. Don't forget about the variations and serving suggestions to make this dish your own. In summary, making this recipe is simple and fun. With a few basic steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal. Happy cooking!

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

A delicious and crispy tofu dish coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 green onion chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
  • Coat with Cornstarch: Place the cubed tofu in a bowl and sprinkle cornstarch over it. Toss gently to coat all sides evenly.
  • Fry the Tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated tofu cubes and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Combine Tofu with Sauce: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat the tofu with the honey garlic sauce, cooking for an additional minute to ensure everything is well-combined.
  • Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the tofu to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup.
Keyword crispy, honey garlic, tofu, vegan