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A quick and easy Asian-inspired recipe featuring extra firm tofu cubes, double-coated in cornstarch and pan-fried to crispy perfection, then glazed with a shiny, sticky honey garlic sauce. Served over steamed white rice and garnished with toasted sesame seeds and scallions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (for coating)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (for frying)
  • 1/3 cup honey (substitute with agave syrup or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cups steamed white rice (for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
  • 2 stalks green scallions, thinly sliced rings

Instructions

  1. Wrap extra-firm tofu in towels and press under a heavy skillet or tofu press for at least 15 minutes to remove moisture.
  2. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Toss the tofu cubes with 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly coated.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
  5. Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer without overcrowding and fry undisturbed 3–4 minutes per side until deeply golden and crispy.
  6. Whisk together 1/3 cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.
  7. Pour the sauce into the hot pan with the tofu and toss to coat.
  8. Cook and stir gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky glaze that coats the tofu.

Notes

For vegan option, substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup., To keep tofu extra crispy when reheating, use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or warm gently in a dry skillet rather than microwaving., Pressing tofu well and coating with cornstarch (not flour) is key to a crispy texture., If you want extra saucy tofu, increase the sauce ingredients by 50%., Toast sesame seeds before adding for enhanced aroma and flavor., Tofu can be air fried at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, as an alternative to pan-frying.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingcrumbs.com/crispy-honey-garlic-tofu-the-ultimate-20-minute-sticky-dinner/