Description
Spicy Honey Garlic Tofu is a bold and crispy plant-based dish with a sweet, savory, and spicy glaze. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for weeknight meals or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Tofu:
16 oz firm or extra-firm tofu, cut into 1” cubes
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ cup cornstarch
Neutral oil for frying
For the Glaze:
1 tbsp neutral oil
10 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
1 tbsp gochujang
2 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup hot water
Optional Garnish:
Scallions
Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep and coat the tofu:
Thoroughly pat your tofu cubes dry using paper towels—first right after draining, then again after cutting—so they stay extra crispy. Season the cubes with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then toss in cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off any excess. - Fry the tofu:
Fry the tofu in a single layer for 2–3 minutes on each side until it turns golden and crisp. Continue cooking the rest of the tofu in batches, placing the finished pieces on a wire rack or paper towel to drain any extra oil. - Prepare the glaze:
In a separate pan, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the minced garlic for around 30 seconds, just until it’s aromatic, then stir in the honey, gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce, and hot water. - Combine tofu and glaze:
Toss the tofu gently in the sauce until every piece is fully coated in the glossy, spicy-sweet glaze. - Serve and garnish:
Plate the tofu and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave. To reduce oil, bake tofu at 425°F for 25 minutes instead of frying. For added crunch and contrast, serve with steamed rice and pickled veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 91 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Protein: 0.2 g