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This Honey Garlic Tofu is crispy, packed with flavour and ready in just 20 minutes. It is the perfect high protein vegetarian dinner, with 26 grams of protein per serving, and comes together easily in one pan for a fast and flavour packed weeknight meal.
If you love any of my quick tofu dinners like my Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu or Crispy Gochujang Tofu, this Honey Garlic Tofu will become a staple in your kitchen! I’ve been developing recipes for over ten years and have created dozens of viral tofu recipes, which means I have tested just about every method for getting tofu perfectly crispy and flavourful. And this version checks all the boxes!
The tofu is pan fried into crispy cubes just like my Kung Pao Tofu and Sticky Tofu until golden on the outside, then gets simmered in a sticky honey garlic sauce. It is simple, flavourful, and pairs perfectly with rice and vegetables for a balanced, high protein vegetarian or vegan friendly meal.
Recipe Highlights
- Ready in 20 minutes: This dish is perfect for a fast and easy weeknight dinner. For another 20 minute dish also try this Orange Tofu!
- High protein: Each serving has 26 grams of plant based protein.
- Crispy and sticky: Irresistible crispy tofu bites coated in a sweet and savoury sticky sauce.
- One pan recipe: For minimal cleanup and no complicated steps.
Key Ingredients
- Tofu: for crispy tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu and save the soft tofu for recipes like Korean Tofu Soup.
- Cornstarch: Don’t skip out on this ingredient. It coats the tofu and makes it extra crispy.
*This is a recipe overview. The full recipe with measurements is below in the recipe card.
How To Make Honey Garlic Tofu
Step 1: Drain the tofu and cut into cubes.
Step 2: Toss the tofu with oil and cornstarch.
Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat, then add the tofu and cook on each side for 2-3 minutes until crispy.
Step 4: Add the honey garlic sauce on medium-low heat and toss together, cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve over rice with sliced scallion and sesame seeds.
How To Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture or in the microwave if needed.
Jess’s Tips
- Use firm tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu It holds its shape the best and gives you the crispiest texture once it hits the pan.
- Press the tofu well: Remove as much moisture as possible from the tofu with paper towel to help the tofu get extra crispy.
- Coat evenly in cornstarch: A light, even coating will make the tofu extra crispy and help the honey garlic sauce cling to every piece.
- Use a non stick pan: This helps the tofu sear properly without sticking so you get golden, even browning on all sides.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: leave space between each cube of tofu for even browning.
- Add veggies if you like: Vegetables like broccoli and peppers like I add to this Easy Tofu Stir Fry or snap peas are all great options!
- Serve right away: Honey garlic tofu tastes best when enjoyed right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coat the tofu in cornstarch and place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 10-14 minutes. You can also follow my recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Tofu.
serve with rice, quinoa, noodles, a soup like this Udon Noodle Soup, steamed vegetables, or a simple side salad like this Asian Cucumber Salad.
This dish can be made in advance, however, it’s best made right before serving so the tofu stays crispy.
Try These Tofu Recipes Next!
If you tried this Honey Garlic Tofu or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook for even more deliciousness!
Honey Garlic Tofu Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Garlic Tofu comes together in 20 minutes and is packed with 26 grams of protein for an easy vegetarian weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 pack extra-firm tofu (12–14 oz)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1–2 tbsp vegetable oil
- sliced scallions and sesame seeds to serve (optional)
Honey garlic sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp honey (sub maple syrup for vegan)
- 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar (can sub lemon juice)
- 1–2 tsp sriracha
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch cube ginger, minced
Instructions
- Drain the tofu and press it between two paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Cut the tofu into even cubes and toss in a bowl with the cornstarch.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick pan on medium-high heat then add the tofu. Let the tofu cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- While the tofu cooks, prepare the honey garlic sauce by mixing the sauce ingredients together in a bowl.
- Once the tofu is crispy on all sides, lower the heat to medium-low and pour the sauce into the pan mixing everything together and letting the sauce cook down for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve immediately over rice and top with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Use extra firm or firm tofu for best texture.
Press tofu to remove excess moisture.
Coat lightly in cornstarch for crispiness.
Use a non stick pan to prevent sticking.
Add vegetables if you want a fuller meal.
Serve immediately for the crispiest tofu.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 of the recipe
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
My daughter and I love this recipe. Easy and so delicious! I love how crispy the tofu turned out. 😍
Yay! So happy you both loved this one Sabrina 🙂
Made this for dinner and it was incredible! I made the tofu in the air fryer and then added the sauce on top. will definitely be making it again!