Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

By SandraJuly 5, 2025

Ditch the takeaway This Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu recipe gives you crispy golden tofu in a sticky honey garlic sauce Easy vegetarian Chinese food at home ... Healthy Eats

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of Crispy honey garlic tofu tonight? Honestly, who wouldn't? This recipe is all about taking humble tofu and turning it into something ridiculously tasty.

It's got that takeaway taste but without any of the dodgy stuff.

Why This Tofu Rocks

This recipe is inspired by classic Chinese-American cuisine. Think sweet, savory, and that irresistible umami flavor. It's easy tofu recipes and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

It's a fantastic way to get a top health benefit protein boost.
Seriously, any night you want something quick and delicious!
Because who needs takeaway when you can make this at home? Plus, it's way healthier than your typical takeaway.

Takeaway at Home: Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

This Vegetarian Chinese food dish is all about balance. The Crispy honey garlic tofu itself is the star. The Honey garlic sauce for tofu brings sweetness and tanginess.

It's a simple recipe, but don't let that fool you!

It is quite easy to make, it's a doddle! We're talking about 15 minutes of prep. And only 20 minutes of cooking.

Don't forget the tofu needs to press for around 30 minutes. This recipe makes enough for two hungry people.

All You Need

To make this magic happen, you'll need some bits. 400g of extra-firm tofu. Cornstarch, soy sauce, and some neutral oil.

For the sauce, you'll need honey. Unless you're Vegan honey garlic tofu , in which case maple syrup is your friend!.

Rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a cornstarch slurry. Serve it up with rice, spring onions and sesame seeds. Let's get cracking!

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu Arsenal

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. Before we whip up this banging Crispy honey garlic tofu , we need to gather our bits and bobs.

Honestly, the ingredient list is pretty straightforward. You can find most stuff in your local Tesco, and the results are so impressive.

Main Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavour

Okay, so for the Crispy tofu recipe part, we're talking:

14 oz (400g) extra-firm tofu , pressed and cubed. Now, listen up! Quality matters here. Go for the good stuff. Think creamy, not crumbly. A good quality tofu is key for the right texture.
2 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot starch if you're feeling fancy).
1 tbsp soy sauce .
1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, canola, peanut – whatever floats your boat) for pan-frying that tofu to golden perfection!

For that Honey garlic sauce for tofu , this is where the magic happens:

1/4 cup (60ml) honey (or maple syrup for a Vegan honey garlic tofu twist). If you substitute honey, be sure to get a good quality maple syrup.
2 tbsp soy sauce .
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar, if that's all you've got).
2-3 cloves garlic , minced. Don't be shy with the garlic! It's what gives it that sticky garlic tofu vibe.
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional, but trust me, it adds a zing).
1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to make a slurry – this is what thickens our amazing sauce).

Don't forget the optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. These bring that authentic Tofu takeaway at home feel.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Soy sauce is our base for umami tofu recipe , but don't underestimate the power of garlic and ginger. The honey offers sweetness and balance.

For a bit of warmth, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. It will make the Honey garlic sauce for tofu truly epic.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You really don't need a load of fancy kit. Just the essentials for this Easy tofu recipes :

A large non-stick skillet. This is crucial for getting that Pan fried tofu with honey garlic glaze evenly cooked.
Cutting board and sharp knife for prepping your ingredients.
Mixing bowls for tossing and mixing.
Something heavy for pressing the tofu. I use my cast iron skillet. But books wrapped in tea towels work just as well.
Clean kitchen towels for pressing the tofu.

That's it! Now, go forth and conquer this Crispy honey garlic tofu recipe.

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu: Takeaway Taste, Homemade Ease

Fancy a Chinese takeaway, but without the guilt? Let's make some Crispy honey garlic tofu . Honestly, this recipe is a game changer.

We're talking golden-brown crispy tofu , coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce. It's better than your local takeaway and way healthier.

It's like bringing tofu takeaway at home but leveling up!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Right, first things first: prep. This is your essential mise en place, the calm before the storm . You’ll need about 15 minutes.

Get your 14 oz of extra-firm tofu ready, along with all the sauce ingredients. Time-saving tip? Mince that garlic and grate that ginger ahead of time.

Safety first! Keep a close eye when frying.

Step-by-Step to Tofu Triumph

Ready to cook? Here's the plan:

Press the Tofu: Wrap the tofu in a towel and press it for 30 minutes. This gets rid of extra water!
Coat the Tofu: Toss tofu with 1 tbsp soy sauce, then coat with 2 tbsp cornstarch. Even coating is key.
Fry to Perfection: Fry in 1 tbsp neutral oil over medium-high heat for about 3- 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy .
Craft the Sauce: Simmer 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, garlic and ginger.
Thicken It Up: Add cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) and cook until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Conquer: Toss the crispy tofu with the sauce for 1- 2 minutes.
Serve and Savor: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Pro Tips: From Tofu Novice to Ninja

Listen up, here's some wisdom. Pressing is key ! Don't skip this step. It's crucial for crispy tofu. Common mistake? Overcrowding the pan.

Cook in batches to ensure even browning. Another pro tip: a bit of grated ginger really takes the sauce to the next level.

You can easily whip up the honey garlic sauce for tofu a day in advance, or use maple syrup for vegan honey garlic tofu .

The maple syrup will give you a caramelised flavor.

So there you have it. Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu . Honestly, give it a go. You won't regret it. Plus, it's a delicious way to get your vegetarian Chinese food fix.

Recipe Notes For Your Cracking Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

Right, so you’re about to whip up some seriously tasty Crispy honey garlic tofu . Ace! Just wanted to add a few extra pointers to help you absolutely nail it.

These tips are based on my own experiences, so you know they're legit.

Serving Your Gorgeous Tofu Takeaway At Home

Think about how you want to present this little masterpiece. I like to pile the sticky garlic tofu high on a bed of fluffy rice, then drizzle any extra sauce over the top.

Garnish with those green onions and sesame seeds for a proper "ta-dah!" moment. As for sides, stir-fried broccoli or some steamed edamame work a treat.

Drinks-wise? A cold glass of jasmine tea is just the ticket.

Storage Lowdown

Got leftovers? No worries, it happens! Pop the tofu stir fry in an airtight container and it'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days .

If you want to freeze it, do it before you add the sauce. Then, when you're ready to eat, just defrost and reheat.

Reheating can be done in a pan or the microwave, but honestly, the pan keeps that crispy tofu recipe texture a bit better.

Tweak It To Your Liking

Fancy a bit of a change? No problem! If you're going for a Vegan honey garlic tofu , just swap the honey for maple syrup.

Works a treat, I promise! If you're feeling adventurous, a bit of grated orange zest in the sauce can add a lovely zing, especially during the winter months.

This also adds a lot of depth to the Honey garlic sauce for tofu .

Nutrition Nuggets

So, what are you actually getting when you tuck into this Umami tofu recipe ? Each serving is roughly 450 calories, with about 25g of protein to keep you going.

It's also packed with iron and other good stuff, thanks to the tofu and soy sauce. Plus, all that garlic and ginger are brilliant for your immune system.

It's a win-win, innit?

Honestly, making this Crispy honey garlic tofu is easier than you think. Just follow these notes, have a bit of fun, and you'll be dishing up restaurant-quality grub in no time.

You got this! I know that once you pan fry the Tofu with honey garlic glaze, you and your family will really enjoy it.

Delicious Honey Garlic Tofu Crispy Umami Flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to press the tofu for this Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu recipe? It seems like a faff!

Yes, absolutely! Pressing the tofu is crucial for getting that signature crispy texture. Think of it like squeezing the water out of a sponge – the less moisture in the tofu, the better it will brown and crisp up in the pan. It only takes 30 minutes, so put the kettle on for a cuppa while you wait!

Can I make this Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu recipe vegan?

You betcha! This recipe is easily made vegan. Simply swap out the honey for maple syrup. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, so you're good to go. It's a cracking vegan alternative to your usual takeaway!

How do I store leftover Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the tofu may lose some of its crispiness. For best results, reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat to crisp it up again, or in the air fryer. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the tofu soggy.

My Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu isn't getting crispy! What am I doing wrong?

There are a few possible culprits! First, make sure you've pressed the tofu well. Second, don't overcrowd the pan – cook the tofu in batches if needed. Finally, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the tofu and let it sit undisturbed for a minute or two per side to develop a good crust, like when you're making a perfect fry up!

Can I add any veggies to this Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu recipe?

Absolutely! Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or even some shredded carrots would be fantastic additions. Simply stir-fry the vegetables in the skillet after removing the tofu, then add them back in with the sauce. It turns it into a proper one-pan wonder!

Is this Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu healthy?

This recipe offers a good source of protein from the tofu. It is on the higher side when it comes to carbohydrates and sugars due to the honey. You can reduce the amount of honey used, opt for a lower-sugar sweetener, and serve with a side of brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to create a more balanced meal.