Honey Garlic Tofu is a deliciously simple dish featuring crispy tofu cubes coated in a sweet and garlicky sauce. The combination of sticky honey and punchy garlic makes every bite flavorful and satisfying. It’s a great way to enjoy tofu, especially if you’re looking for something quick and tasty.
I love making this dish because it comes together so fast and is perfect for those nights when you want a comforting meal without a lot of fuss. A little tip I’ve learned is to press the tofu well before cooking so it gets extra crispy and soaks up the sauce better. It really makes a difference!
My favorite way to enjoy Honey Garlic Tofu is over a bed of steamed rice with some crunchy veggies on the side. It’s a simple meal that always feels like a treat. Plus, leftovers taste great the next day, making it a winner for busy weeks.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu works best here because it holds its shape and crisps nicely. If you can’t find tofu, tempeh is a good alternative, but it has a nuttier flavor and denser texture.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and helps create that sticky sauce. If you prefer a vegan option, try maple syrup or agave nectar—they work great too.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, punchy flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic in jars—it won’t be as vibrant. Freshly minced garlic adds the best aroma.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives saltiness and depth. For a gluten-free choice, use tamari; for less sodium, pick a low-sodium soy sauce.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a mild tang that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have rice vinegar, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work, but use slightly less as they’re stronger.
How Do You Get Crispy, Flavorful Tofu Every Time?
Pressing tofu is key to good texture. Wrap it in a clean towel and place something heavy on top for at least 15 minutes. This removes excess moisture so the tofu crisps well when fried.
For frying:
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet and heat oil over medium-high.
- Add tofu cubes without crowding the pan, so they crisp evenly.
- Turn gently to brown all sides, this usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Once golden and crispy, remove and keep separately while making the sauce to avoid soggy tofu.
When tossing tofu in the sauce, turn the heat down so the tofu soaks up flavor without losing crispness. This step brings everything together, coating each piece with a shiny, sticky glaze.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or non-stick frying pan – I prefer this for quick even frying and easy tossing of tofu and sauce.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – helps turn the tofu and stir the sauce without scratching the pan.
- Small bowl – for whisking the sauce ingredients quickly and smoothly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep the sauce balanced and consistent.
- Plate lined with paper towels – for draining fried tofu and keeping it crispy.
- Saucepan (optional) – if you want to make extra sauce or thicken it further.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cubed tempeh instead of tofu for a nuttier flavor and extra protein.
- Add a splash of rice wine or a few drops of sesame oil to the sauce for extra depth.
- Mix in chopped bell peppers or broccoli when stir-frying for more veggies and color.
- Replace honey with agave syrup or maple for vegan options, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
How to Make Honey Garlic Tofu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. Pressing the tofu requires at least 15 minutes, but you can do this ahead of time. The frying and sauce making will take about 10 minutes combined.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Tofu:
Start by pressing the tofu to remove extra water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for at least 15 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
2. Frying the Tofu:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes carefully and fry them until all sides turn golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes. Once crispy, remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside.
3. Making the Honey Garlic Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger if using. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and chili flakes or sriracha if you want a bit of spice. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water and add it to the sauce mixture.
4. Cooking the Sauce and Combining:
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and cook, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy. Then, return the tofu to the pan and gently toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to let the tofu absorb the flavors and warm through.
5. Serving Your Dish:
Remove the pan from heat. Transfer the honey garlic tofu to a serving plate and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with cooked white rice for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Tofu for This Recipe?
Yes! Frozen tofu has a chewier texture and absorbs sauce well. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight, press out excess water, and then proceed as usual.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the tofu crispy and the sauce sticky. Avoid microwaving, as it can make tofu soggy.
Is There a Vegan Alternative to Honey?
Definitely! Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly option without sacrificing sweetness or stickiness in the sauce.
Can I Bake the Tofu Instead of Frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative for a healthier dish. Toss the tofu cubes in a little oil, spread on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and crisp.
