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- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and drained - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Sesame seeds - Chopped green onions Using these ingredients makes this dish come alive with flavor. The firm tofu gives a solid base. It holds the sauce well and stays crispy. Cornstarch is key for that crunchy outside. It helps the tofu to fry up perfectly. For the sauce, I love the mix of honey and soy sauce. It balances sweet and salty. Garlic and ginger add a warm touch. Rice vinegar gives it a nice tang, making it bright. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. They spice things up just right. Finally, garnishing brings everything together. Sesame seeds add a nutty crunch. Chopped green onions give fresh flavor and color. Each ingredient plays its part in this delightful dish. Enjoy creating your Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu! First, you need to press the tofu to remove excess water. This helps it crisp up later. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Make sure the pieces are even for cooking. Next, pat the cubes dry with a paper towel. This step is key for a crispy texture. Now, place the cornstarch in a bowl. Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch until they are fully coated. This coating forms a crispy layer while cooking. It helps to lock in the flavor and gives a nice crunch. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil to the hot skillet. Once the oil is hot, lay the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the tofu to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir them for about 30 seconds. You want to release their nice aroma but be careful not to burn them. Then, add honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, and rice vinegar. If you like spice, toss in red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Now it’s time to bring the tofu back into the mix. Add the crispy tofu to the sauce and toss gently. Make sure every piece is coated well in the sauce. Heat everything together for about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully transfer the tofu to a serving dish. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. This adds color and a nice crunch to your dish. To get crispy tofu, you must dry it well. Moisture makes tofu soggy. Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes. After pressing, cut it into 1-inch cubes. Pat the cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps them crisp up nicely. The oil temperature is also key. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, it should shimmer. This means it is ready for the tofu. If the oil is too cool, the tofu will soak it up and stay soft. You can make this dish even better with spices. Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika. These spices add depth to the flavor. You can also use fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh touch. For sweeteners, honey works well, but maple syrup is great for vegans. You can also try agave nectar or brown sugar. Each option brings a different taste to the sauce. A non-stick skillet is the best choice for this recipe. It helps keep the tofu from sticking. This makes flipping easy and prevents burning. You can also use a cast-iron skillet for a nice sear. For easy flipping, use a spatula or tongs. This helps you turn the tofu without breaking it. A slotted spoon is helpful for serving. It lets excess sauce drain off, keeping your dish from getting soggy. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey. Maple syrup gives a rich sweetness that works well with the garlic and soy sauce. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free soy sauce. This swap ensures you still enjoy a great flavor without the gluten. To elevate the taste, try adding spices like paprika or cumin. They add depth to the dish. You can also experiment with different sauces. For a twist, use teriyaki or sweet chili sauce. Each option brings its unique flavor to the tofu. This crispy honey garlic tofu pairs well with rice or noodles. Both absorb the sauce and enhance the meal. Serve it alongside steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers for a colorful plate. These sides add nutrition and balance to your dish. To keep your crispy honey garlic tofu fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. This way, it won't steam and get soggy. Place it in the fridge right after it cools. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Check for any strange smells or colors before eating. When you want to eat your leftovers, you need to keep them crispy. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat a little oil in the pan. Add the tofu and cook for a few minutes on medium heat. This will help it crisp up again. Avoid using the microwave. It will make the tofu soft and chewy. Also, don’t add too much sauce when reheating; it can make the tofu soggy. Enjoy your tasty tofu! No, soft tofu does not work well here. Firm tofu gives a nice, crispy texture. It holds its shape better when cooked. Soft tofu may fall apart and not get crispy. Stick to firm tofu for the best results. To add spice, use red pepper flakes or chili paste. You can also add sriracha for a kick. Start with a small amount and taste. Adjust to your heat preference. Adding fresh chopped chilies can also enhance the flavor. You can use maple syrup as a vegan option. Agave nectar works well too. Both will give a sweet flavor similar to honey. Just make sure to keep the same amount for balance. Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. Mix the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and vinegar. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When ready to use, just heat it before adding the crispy tofu. To store, place leftover tofu in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tofu soggy. Tofu is a great way to enjoy a tasty meal. We covered how to make crispy honey garlic tofu and important ingredients like firm tofu, cornstarch, and flavorful sauces. You learned how to prepare, cook, and present this dish. Remember, drying the tofu helps it get crispy. With a few easy tips, you can mix flavors or adjust for diet needs. Enjoy this dish with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Try it out and let your taste buds celebrate!

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

Delight your taste buds with this easy Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu recipe! Perfectly crispy tofu cubes are tossed in a savory honey garlic sauce, combining sweetness and flavor in every bite. This dish is simple to make and ideal for a quick dinner packed with deliciousness. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect addition to your weeknight meals. Click through to discover the step-by-step guide and try it tonight!
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Ingredients
  

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and drained

1/4 cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for vegan option)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu: After pressing the tofu, cut it into 1-inch cubes. Pat the cubes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

    Coat with Cornstarch: Place the cornstarch in a bowl and toss the tofu cubes until they are evenly coated. This will create a crispy exterior when cooked.

      Cook the Tofu: In a large non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook until golden brown and crispy, around 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.

        Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it burn!

          Combine Ingredients: Stir in the honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

            Add Tofu: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet, tossing it gently in the sauce until all pieces are coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.

              Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the tofu to a serving dish.

                - Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra crunch and flavor.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4