Name: Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Extra-Firm Tofu (1 block, about 14-16 ounces); Cornstarch (½ cup); Soy Sauce (¼ cup); Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons); Honey (¼ cup); Garlic (4-5 cloves, minced); Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated); Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional); Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon); Cooking Oil (for frying, about ½ cup); Sesame Seeds (for garnish, optional); Green Onions (for garnish, optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to fall in love with tofu all over again, this Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu is sure to work its magic! Imagine golden cubes of tofu—crackly and crisp on the outside, irresistibly tender within—all tossed in a glossy, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite. This dish has quickly become a weeknight staple in my kitchen, thanks to its winning combo of flavor, texture, and downright simplicity. Whether you’re a longtime tofu fan or just dabbling in plant-based delights, Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu deserves a spot at your table.

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu lies in its unfussy ingredient list. Each component serves a clear purpose, building flavor, texture, or pops of color that make every bite exciting. Gather these pantry staples and fresh aromatics—you won’t believe how they transform humble tofu!

Extra-Firm Tofu: Press this well for the crispiest results—it’s the foundation for that irresistible texture.
Cornstarch: This secret weapon coats each piece and delivers that craveable crunch in every bite.
Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami savoriness, making the sauce rich and balanced—you can swap for tamari if gluten-free.
Rice Vinegar: A splash of bright tang to cut the sweetness and keep flavors lively.
Honey: Offers natural, sticky sweetness; swap for maple syrup or agave for a vegan version.
Garlic: Fresh and punchy, it’s the hero of the sauce—don’t skimp!
Fresh Ginger: Lends a slight heat and aromatic depth, brightening the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes: Totally optional, but a pinch gives gentle heat and complexity.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle infuses a lovely toasted, nutty element.
Cooking Oil: Choose a neutral, high-smoke point oil like canola or avocado for perfectly crisp tofu without any off-flavors.
Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on for added crunch and eye appeal—they’re the perfect finish.
Green Onions: For a pop of color and fresh, mild oniony flavor right at the end.

How to Make Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

Step 1: Press the Tofu

This is where greatness begins! Removing excess water is absolutely key for achieving the shatteringly crisp texture we’re after. After draining, wrap your block of tofu in several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place it on a plate, top with something heavy (think: a cast iron pan or a stack of cookbooks), and press for at least 30 minutes—an hour is even better if you have time. Don’t rush this step, because the drier the tofu, the crispier your Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu will be!

Step 2: Prepare the Tofu

Once the tofu is pressed and firm to the touch, unwrap and cut it into bite-sized cubes (around 3/4 to 1 inch each). Cubes work best here because they’re easy to toss, coat, and get golden on every side. Of course, you can experiment with triangles for a striking presentation, but even pieces help everything cook evenly.

Step 3: Coat the Tofu in Cornstarch

Time for a little magic—coating in cornstarch! Place your cubes in a bowl and evenly sprinkle with cornstarch. Gently toss the tofu using your hands or a spatula until every piece gets a thin, even dusting. This simple step ensures each bite of Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu gets that signature crunch once cooked.

Step 4: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together your soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, freshly minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and (if you’d like some zing) red pepper flakes. The sauce should come together as a smooth, fragrant liquid—zesty, sweet, and savory. Set it aside so it’s ready to become the crowning glory.

Step 5: Fry the Tofu Until Crispy

Pour enough cooking oil into a skillet or wok so it rises about a quarter inch up the side. Heat over medium-high—check with a small piece of tofu; if it sizzles right away, you’re golden! Gently lay in the coated tofu cubes in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding, which keeps things crispy, not soggy). Each side should fry for about 5–7 minutes, turning every so often until they’re beautifully crisp and golden brown. Once done, fish them out with tongs or a slotted spoon and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 6: Glaze the Tofu with Sauce

Carefully pour off any excess oil from your pan and give it a quick wipe. Pour in your prepared honey garlic sauce and let it bubble gently for a minute or two until it thickens slightly and turns glossy. Add your crispy tofu back into the pan, tossing gently to coat every piece in that addictive sauce. Just a couple more minutes and your Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu is dazzlingly ready—don’t overcook at this point, as the honey can darken in a flash.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Take a step back and admire—the finishing touches are as important as those crunchy tofu bites! Transfer your Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu to a plate, then shower with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for color, crunch, and a little fresh lift. Serve right away, while everything is still piping hot and super crisp.

How to Serve Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

Garnishes

Garnishing is pure joy with this dish. The staples—sesame seeds and green onions—add crunch and vibrancy, but you can also sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro, a scatter of thinly sliced red chilies, or even a zest of lime if you want a citrusy pop. Don’t be shy; a beautiful plate makes every meal a celebration.

Side Dishes

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu is an absolute knockout with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up that luscious sauce. For something lighter, tuck it alongside a simple cucumber salad or sautéed greens like bok choy or snap peas. If you’re craving takeout vibes, toss with stir-fried veggies or even pile atop noodles for an extra-cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to the plate! Try tucking Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu into lettuce cups for a fresh party bite, layering it into rice bowls with pickled veggies, or tossing into Asian-inspired wraps with shredded carrots and cabbage. It’s even fantastic (and surprising!) as a filling for banh mi or bao buns.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have a little left over? Store cooled Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The tofu might lose some crispness as it sits, but the flavors continue to meld and are just as delicious.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t optimal for preserving the crispy texture, you can freeze the plain, cooked tofu before saucing it. Place the fried cubes on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to two months. Thaw and reheat before adding your fresh honey garlic sauce.

Reheating

To revive leftover Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu, use an air fryer or a hot oven (400°F for 10–12 minutes) for best results—it crisps back up nicely. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop, though the exterior will be a little softer. Microwaving works in a pinch but won’t deliver the same crunch.

FAQs

Can I bake the tofu instead of frying?

Absolutely! After tossing your pressed tofu in cornstarch, arrange the cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. The tofu turns out crisp and golden, making a lighter version of Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce, and double-check your cornstarch brand if cross-contamination is a concern. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Is there a vegan substitute for honey?

Definitely. Go for maple syrup or agave nectar if you want 100% vegan Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu—the flavor remains wonderfully sweet and satisfying.

How do I keep tofu from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your oil is hot before adding the tofu—this helps create an instant crust and prevents sticking. Avoid crowding the pan, and use a good non-stick skillet or well-seasoned wok for best results.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Sure thing! Whisk the honey garlic sauce ingredients together and store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to five days. When ready to cook, just give it a stir and pour over your hot tofu—it’s a perfect time-saver.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of this Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu is an adventure in texture and flavor—crunchy, saucy, sweet, and savory all at once. Whether you’re prepping dinner for family or treating yourself to a little comfort, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. It’s time to pick up that block of tofu and create something joyfully delicious!

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu is a delicious vegetarian dish featuring golden, crunchy tofu cubes coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a popular choice for both lunch and dinner.

Instructions

Press the Tofu: Remove excess water from tofu by wrapping in towels and pressing for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Tofu: Cut pressed tofu into cubes and coat with cornstarch.
Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
Fry the Tofu: Fry cornstarch-coated tofu until crispy in hot oil.
Cook Until Golden and Crispy: Fry tofu until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Add Tofu to the Honey Garlic Sauce: Simmer tofu in prepared sauce until coated and glossy.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving hot.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian