Easy Honey Garlic Tofu Recipe – Sweet & Savory

Craving a dish that hits all the right notes? This Easy Honey Garlic Tofu recipe is your answer! Featuring crispy pan-fried tofu coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce, it’s a flavor explosion that’s incredibly simple to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful addition to your plant-based repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 block (14-16 oz) extra-firm or super-firm tofu
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for tofu)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional, for brightness)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Press the tofu: Drain the tofu and press it for at least 20-30 minutes to remove excess water. You can use a tofu press or wrap it in paper towels and place a heavy object on top. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.
2. Coat the tofu: In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help them get crispy.
3. Cook the tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the crispy tofu from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the honey garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar (if using). In a separate tiny bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
5. Simmer the sauce: Pour the honey garlic mixture into the same skillet (no need to clean it) and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Combine and serve: Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until all the tofu cubes are well coated. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.