Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu (Printable)
Golden crunchy tofu cubes in sweet savory honey garlic sauce, ready in 40 minutes.
# 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 Make It:
01 - Drain the tofu and press for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut the pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.
02 - In a mixing bowl, gently toss the 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 the 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 tsp cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth.
05 - Pour the sauce mixture into the empty skillet and simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece evenly in the honey garlic sauce.
07 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot alongside steamed rice or noodles.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cornstarch coating creates a shell so crispy you will hear it from across the kitchen.
- The sauce comes together in three minutes and tastes like something from a restaurant you cannot afford to visit every week.
02 -
- Wet tofu is the enemy of crunch, so press it longer than you think you need to.
- If you crowd the pan the tofu will steam instead of fry and you will end up with something sad and soft.
03 -
- Pat the tofu dry with a clean towel after pressing for an even crisper crust.
- Turn the heat down slightly if the garlic in the sauce starts to brown too fast because burnt garlic will turn the whole dish bitter.