Description
Honey Garlic Tofu is a delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian main course featuring crispy, pan-fried tofu coated in a flavorful sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This Asian-inspired dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be served over rice or noodles with your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water for slurry
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Press and Cube Tofu: Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Coat Tofu with Cornstarch: Toss the tofu cubes in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until they are evenly coated to help achieve a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to release its aroma.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Combine Tofu and Sauce: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat the tofu evenly with the thickened sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the honey garlic tofu with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving to add texture and color.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Serve the tofu over steamed rice or noodles, accompanied by broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal.
- For extra crispy tofu, bake the cornstarch-coated tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, before tossing with the sauce.
