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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying) - 1/4 cup honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option) Crispy honey garlic tofu starts with firm tofu. This type holds its shape well. Pressing the tofu helps get rid of water. It makes the tofu crispier when cooking. Cornstarch coats the tofu and gives it a nice crunch. You need vegetable oil to fry the tofu until golden. - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Next, we add flavor. Minced garlic gives a strong taste. Soy sauce adds saltiness. Rice vinegar brings a bit of tang. Sesame oil adds richness and depth. Grated ginger gives a fresh, spicy note. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. - Sesame seeds (for garnish) - Chopped green onions (for garnish) Lastly, we have garnishes. Sesame seeds add crunch and look nice on top. Chopped green onions add color and a mild onion flavor. Together, these make the dish pop! - Pressing the tofu: First, take a block of firm tofu. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top, like a skillet. Leave it for at least 30 minutes to remove extra water. This step helps the tofu become crispy. - Cubing the tofu: After pressing, carefully unwrap the tofu. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. Make sure the pieces are even for cooking. - Tossing tofu in cornstarch: Place your cubed tofu in a shallow bowl. Add 1/2 cup of cornstarch. Toss the cubes gently until each piece is well-coated. This coating gives the tofu a crunchy texture. - Shaking off excess cornstarch: After coating, lift the tofu out. Gently shake each piece to remove any extra cornstarch. This prevents clumping while frying. - Heating the oil: In a large non-stick skillet, pour in 1/4 cup of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking. - Frying tofu cubes until golden: Carefully add the tofu cubes to the hot oil in a single layer. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden color to know they are crispy. Once done, remove the tofu and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. - Combining sauce ingredients in a saucepan: In a small saucepan, mix 1/4 cup honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. - Heating and thickening the sauce: Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it constantly until it bubbles. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit. - Tossing tofu in sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the crispy tofu to the saucepan. Gently toss it in the honey garlic sauce until all pieces are coated. Cook for one more minute to blend the flavors. - Garnishing tips for presentation: Transfer the coated tofu to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh look. Serve on a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. To get crispy tofu, pressing is key. Press the tofu for 30 minutes. This helps remove extra water. Less water means a crunchier texture. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Next, make sure your oil is hot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. If the oil is too cool, the tofu won’t crisp up. You want a nice golden brown outside. Sweetness and heat should work together in this dish. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes. Always taste as you go. You can swap honey with agave syrup for a vegan dish. You can also use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Serve your crispy honey garlic tofu on rice or quinoa. This adds a nice base. You can drizzle extra sauce over the top for more flavor. For a fresh touch, add sesame seeds and chopped green onions. These garnishes add color and a nice crunch. Consider serving with a side of steamed veggies for balance. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Swap honey for agave syrup. Agave gives a similar sweetness. It keeps the sauce thick and tasty. This change makes it perfect for everyone. You can add vegetables to the dish. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work well. Just stir-fry them with the tofu. This adds color and nutrition. You can also try different sauces. Teriyaki or sweet chili sauce can change the taste. Mix and match to find your favorite! If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce. It keeps the flavor without gluten. For coatings, try rice flour instead of cornstarch. It will still give you that crisp texture. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! To keep your crispy honey garlic tofu fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture and keeps the tofu crunchy. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Tofu can lose its crunch when reheated. For best results, use the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tofu on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. Check to make sure it is hot and crispy. If using an air fryer, cook at the same temperature for about 8-10 minutes. You can freeze crispy tofu, but it may change its texture. To freeze, place the cooled tofu in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to regain some crispiness. The best tofu for this recipe is firm tofu. Firm tofu holds its shape well during cooking. It absorbs flavors nicely while getting crispy. You can also use extra-firm tofu if you prefer. Just remember to press it to remove extra water. Yes, you can easily make this dish spicy! Add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with a small amount, then taste it. You can also add sriracha or chili paste for extra heat. Adjust it to suit your spice level. You can store leftovers in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just remember, reheating may soften the tofu. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. Press and cube the tofu the day before. You can also make the honey garlic sauce in advance. Store both in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Crispy honey garlic tofu pairs well with many sides. Serve it on a bed of steamed rice or quinoa. You can also add a fresh salad or stir-fried veggies. For a nice touch, drizzle extra honey garlic sauce on top. Crispy honey garlic tofu is a tasty dish you can easily make at home. We covered key ingredients like firm tofu, cornstarch, and honey for flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions to achieve crispiness and a delicious sauce. Remember to press the tofu and balance the flavors for the best results. You can try variations using agave or adding veggies. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and don’t forget to share it with friends!

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

Discover the deliciousness of crispy honey garlic tofu, a perfect dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll whip up crispy tofu coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that's sure to impress. Ideal for vegan diets too! Click through for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to elevate your mealtime with this enticing dish that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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Ingredients
  

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

1/4 cup honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option)

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

    In a shallow bowl, add the cornstarch. Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch until they are well-coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.

      Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

        Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tofu is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

          In a separate small saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce starts to bubble and thicken slightly (about 2-3 minutes).

            Reduce the heat to low, and add the crispy tofu to the saucepan. Toss the tofu in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.

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

                Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added crunch and freshness.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy honey garlic tofu on a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, drizzled with extra honey garlic sauce, and topped with sesame seeds and green onions for a colorful and appetizing display.