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Honey garlic tofu is a delicious fusion of sweet and savory flavors. Made with golden-brown tofu coated in a glaze of honey, soy sauce, and garlic, and an optional little kick from chili peppers, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
If you like flavor packed dishes, you will love this. I'm looking at you tofu haters. This recipe is so delicious, even you will love it!
Plus, it literally is one of the easiest recipes. Just fry some tofu and coat it in sauce. Done. Easy.
Now, if you have never tried tofu before, this is a great place to start. You'll also want to try this sambal tofu and this spicy tofu soup. They are some of my favorite tofu recipes.
I like to go back and forth between meat and meatless meals. Some of my favorite meatless meals include Vegetarian Ramen. It's literally my go to easy recipe when I'm going meatless! But try these other vegetarian dishes as well:
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Why this crispy honey garlic tofu recipe works
- Sweet, savory, and bursting with flavor, this crispy tofu recipe is delicious and ultra easy to make.
- With just a few ingredients and little time investment, you can craft a meal that is sure to satisfy any crowd.
- The honey garlic sauce has the perfect amount of spice, sweetness and tanginess to complement to tofu. The toasted sesame oil finishes it with a slightly nutty flavor.
- Caramelizing the tofu makes gives it an extra boost of flavor and gives the outside a crisp texture.
- This tofu stir fry is healthy and can be made into a full healthy meal by serving it with some brown rice or grain and some roasted frozen broccoli, Sichuan green beans, or air fryer baby carrots.
- Can be served with toothpicks for honey garlic tofu bites!
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Ingredients to make this recipe
A 16 ounce block of tofu is needed for this recipe. Tofu should be firm or extra-firm for best results. You can buy tofu and most grocery stores.
For a full list of ingredients and quantities used in this honey garlic tofu recipe, please refer to the recipe card below.
If you love tofu, you MUST try this Sichuan mapo tofu too - it is to die for if you like spicy!
Variations and substitutions
- Add a bit of extra honey to give the tofu a sweeter, richer flavor.
- This recipe is easy to adapt, so feel free to add extra spice. A pinch of chili flakes added to the honey garlic sauce, a couple teaspoons of chili sauce or chili crisp, or 1-2 teaspoons of gochujang would be incredible.
- You can also stir some chopped cashews or peanuts for a crunchy topping, as well as some fried garlic.
- Substitute garlic powder for the fresh minced garlic if needed.
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Press the tofu block between several paper towels to squeeze out as much moisture out as possible. **You may need to replace the paper towels a couple times.
Step 2: Slice into ½-1" squares and toss the tofu in the oil, salt and black pepper. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Step 3: Mix the honey garlic sauce ingredients together (everything but the rice, sesame seed and green onions)
Step 6: Remove the tofu from the heat and serve over instant pot jasmine rice garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. What did I tell you....easiest recipe ever!
Expert tips to make spicy honey garlic tofu
- You can fry the tofu in a non-stick skillet instead of baking it also. Just be sure not to crowd the pan or the tofu may not brown (try cooking in 2 batches).
- Make sure you’re using firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe, otherwise it won’t hold up very well when pan-fried.
- To make this recipe vegan, replace the honey with coconut sugar or palm sugar.
- Time-saving tip: cut up your tofu and prep the sauce ahead of time for a super quick meal!
- If using paper towels to press your tofu, once the paper towels are saturated, start with fresh ones and repeat until minimal to no moisture is coming from the tofu.
- Put toothpicks in each piece and serve them as tofu bites for a party!
Frequently Asked Questions
Firm or extra firm tofu is the best for this recipe as it will hold up to cooking and retain it's shape when being coated with the sauce.
To eliminate excess moisture, you do want to press your tofu before cooking. You don't need a fancy tofu press or anything. Just place the block between a couple paper towels and squeeze. Repeat until minimal moisture is coming out of the tofu.
Store leftover tofu in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
When you're ready to reheat the tofu, simply transfer it to a preheated oven or microwave until warmed through.
You can pan-fry the tofu in a little oil over medium heat until heated through.
I don't recommend freezing as the tofu will become very mushy.
More Asian inspired recipes
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Recipe
Honey Garlic Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block of tofu
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste substitute grated ginger
- Sliced green onions optional for serving
- Steamed white rice for serving
- Sesame seeds optional for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F degrees.
- Place the block of tofu between several paper towels and gently squeeze to get as much moisture out as possible. **You may need to replace the paper towels a couple times
- Slice the tofu into ½-1" squares and toss in the oil, salt and black pepper.
- Spread it on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown around the edges and slightly crisped on the outside. (*can also be pan-fried in a non-stick skillet).
- While the tofu bakes, mix the remaining ingredients together (except rice, green onions and sesame seeds).
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the tofu.
- Pour the sauce over the top and toss to fully coat the tofu. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve over steamed white rice garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Expert Tips:
- You can fry the tofu in a non-stick skillet instead of baking it also. Just be sure not to crowd the pan or the tofu may not brown (try cooking in 2 batches).
- Make sure you’re using firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe, otherwise it won’t hold up very well when pan-fried.
- To make this recipe vegan, replace the honey with coconut sugar or palm sugar.
- Time-saving tip: cut up your tofu and prep the sauce ahead of time for a super quick meal!
- If using paper towels to press your tofu, once the paper towels are saturated, start with fresh ones and repeat until minimal to no moisture is coming from the tofu.
- Put toothpicks in each piece and serve them as tofu bites for a party!
Nutrition
Danielle
One of my all time favorite recipes!
dani
This came out so delicious! I did use a nonstick pan and the tofu stuck just a touch, but overall came out delicious!
Danielle
That's great to hear!
Jan
This looks very good. Does the centre of the tofu become soft and creamy? I am looking for a recipe that does that. I enjoy your website. Thanks for offering it.
Danielle
It definitely does! That's what I love about it 🙂 Thank!
Jan
I am wondering if I pressed the tofu too much; after pressing the pieces of tofu were just under 1/2 of original size. The texture of the tofu was rubbery and so I am trying to figure out what I did incorrectly. Thanks for your ideas.
Danielle
Hi jan! The tofu should be pressed before cutting it into pieces. As far as the texture, it may depend on the brand of tofu you are using. The outside should be crisp, and the inside slightly creamy. Sometimes the extra firm tofu can take on a slightly rubbery texture, and if it is cooked too long it can be rubbery as well. You can also try using a medium tofu as it may be creamier, you just want to take extra care as it is more likely to fall apart in the pan. I hope this helped!