Honey Garlic Tofu is a delicious dish that’s full of sweet and savory flavors. The tofu gets perfectly crispy on the outside while staying soft inside, all coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s just the right balance of sweet and garlicky. It’s a simple recipe that really packs a punch and feels special even though it doesn’t take much time or effort to make.
I love making this when I want something tasty but light, especially on busy weeknights. The sauce is pretty magical—it sticks to the tofu so well and gives every bite a little burst of flavor. I usually use firm tofu and press it well to get that nice crisp texture. It’s a great way to enjoy tofu if you’re not sure how to make it exciting!
One of my favorite ways to eat Honey Garlic Tofu is with steamed rice and a side of greens like broccoli or bok choy. It makes for a complete meal that feels comforting and fresh at the same time. Plus, leftover tofu reheats nicely, so it’s perfect for lunches the next day. This recipe always gets a thumbs up from friends and family, so it’s become a go-to in my kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu is best for frying because it holds its shape well. Pressing it removes moisture, making it crispier. If you can’t find tofu, tempeh is a good substitute with a nuttier flavor.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a sticky glaze. For a vegan option, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead. They work well but have a slightly different taste.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives salty depth and umami. Low-sodium soy sauce is great if you want to reduce salt. Tamari is a good gluten-free alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that sharp, aromatic flavor. Minced garlic releases more flavor; you can adjust the amount depending on how garlicky you like it.
How Do You Get the Tofu Perfectly Crispy and Not Soggy?
Pressing tofu is a must to get rid of water. This helps it fry up crisp instead of steaming. Here’s how I do it:
- Wrap tofu in towels and place a heavy pan or books on top for 15-20 minutes.
- Cut into cubes and fry in hot oil without crowding the pan to keep pieces crispy.
- Turn tofu carefully, allowing each side to brown evenly—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Use a non-stick or cast iron skillet for even heat distribution.
If you skip pressing or crowd the pan, your tofu might turn mushy or soggy. Taking your time on this step really makes the difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large non-stick or cast iron skillet – I like it because it gets hot evenly and helps the tofu crisp up nicely.
- Kitchen towel or paper towels – perfect for pressing and removing excess moisture from the tofu.
- Small bowl – for whisking the sauce ingredients together.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep everything accurate and easy to follow.
- Spatula or tongs – for flipping the tofu without breaking it apart.
- Serving plate – to present your finished dish beautifully.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version that still gives a nice sticky glaze.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice in the sauce for extra tanginess and brightness.
- Mix in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for more crunch and color.
- Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like some heat in your dish.
How to Make Honey Garlic Tofu?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tofu:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For The Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional for brightness)
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (white and/or black)
- Red chili flakes or finely chopped red chili (optional, for garnish and mild heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the tofu and sauce, another 10-15 minutes for frying and cooking, so around 25 minutes total from start to finish. Pressing the tofu ahead of time for 15-20 minutes helps get it crispy, so you can do that while gathering ingredients or prepping other parts of your meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Tofu:
Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy pan or weight on top and press for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
2. Frying the Tofu:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add tofu cubes in a single layer. Let them fry without moving for 3-4 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy. Then, gently flip and cook the other sides until all sides are nicely browned. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
3. Making the Honey Garlic Sauce and Combining:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar (if using), grated ginger, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce mixture into the same skillet and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry while constantly stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes. Return the crispy tofu cubes to the skillet and gently toss to coat them evenly with the thickened honey garlic sauce.
4. Serving and Garnishing:
Transfer the coated tofu to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of red chili flakes or chopped red chili if you like a little heat. Serve immediately with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a delicious, wholesome meal.
Can I Use Frozen Tofu for This Recipe?
Yes! Frozen tofu works great because it has a chewier texture that soaks up sauces well. Just thaw it completely in the fridge or under cold running water, then press out excess moisture before cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Honey Garlic Tofu?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the tofu crispy. You can also microwave it, but it might soften a bit.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep that sweet, sticky glaze vegan-friendly.
What’s the Best Way to Press Tofu Quickly?
Wrap tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object like a cast-iron skillet or a stack of books on top for 15-20 minutes. For faster pressing, you can use a tofu press if you have one—just follow the device instructions.