“Honey” Garlic Tofu
This vegan “honey” garlic tofu is sticky, spicy, and tastes exactly like takeout. All you need is an oven and 30 minutes of your time.
Cooking tofu is a common roadblock for new plant-based eaters. I have some good news though! Once you learn how to use it, tofu becomes irreplaceable in your kitchen.
It’s perfect for shredded tofu wraps, vegan Caesar salad, and even dessert like this high-protein chocolate mousse. This sticky “honey” garlic tofu recipe is designed for those nights when you’re craving Chinese takeaway.
Why You’ll Love This
- Believe it or not, it’s possible to make ultra-crispy tofu without frying! This recipe works with an oven and a baking sheet. Easy!
- With vegan honey alternatives and yummy recipes like this honey garlic tofu, you won’t be missing out if you give up honey!
- There’s nothing wrong with takeout, but who can afford one every day? With pantry-stable ingredients, this meal is affordable and healthy.
- In addition to being vegan, this recipe is gluten-free and nut-free.
- Meal-prep like a pro! This delicious honey garlic tofu reheats well and can be paired with different starches.
Key Ingredients
- Extra firm tofu is the meaty blank canvas that soaks up all the flavor.
- Cornstarch is the not-so-secret ingredient to achieve that crispy tofu exterior.
- Garlic is the star of the show when it comes to the sticky sauce.
- Maple syrup is a vegan honey stand-in that adds earthy sweetness.
- Sriracha and chili flakes are optional for depth and heat.
Hack It!
- Swap maple syrup for agave or date syrup if those are more accessible to you.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version or regular soy sauce if you don’t have a gluten restriction.
- Alternatively, coconut aminos are a great soy-free source of umami.
- Add broccoli, bell pepper, or snap peas to the mixture for extra fiber. This may also bulk up the volume of the meal.
How to Make “Honey” Garlic Tofu
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet. In a bowl, toss together the tofu, spices, and cornstarch.
Step 2: Transfer to the baking sheet and liberally spray with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until browned and crispy.
Step 3: In the meantime, add garlic, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar and sriracha to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and water) and stir until it thickens to honey-like consistency. You may also use this time to cook your rice.
Step 5: Once the tofu is cooked, add it to the sauce and toss to coat.
Step 6: Serve over rice, and garnish with freshly chopped green onion and sesame seeds, as desired. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days.
Tofu texture may change slightly, but it’s still tasty! I would recommend making rice fresh.
Yes! 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Extra firm is best. If using firm, press it well first to remove moisture.
More Plant-Based Tofu Recipes
- Cabbage Wrapped Dumplings
- Waffle Iron Tofu Salad
- Easy Tofu Tacos
- Hidden Vegetable Tofu Curry
- Coconut Lime Tofu
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The Recipe: “Honey” Garlic Tofu
Ingredients
- 16 oz extra firm tofu, sliced into 1-inch cubes
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup cornstarch
Sticky "Honey" Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup, or honey if you eat it
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sriracha
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1½ tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 1½ tbsp water, to make a slurry
To serve
- 4 servings jasmine rice
- sesame seeds
Equipment
- Rice cooker optional
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment or a reusable silicone liner.
- To a bowl, add the tofu, spices and cornstarch and toss.
- Transfer to the baking sheet, liberally spray with oil, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until browned and crispy.
- In the meantime, in a pan over medium heat, add the garlic, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar and sriracha. Bring to a simmer.
- While that simmers, in a small bowl, add the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and stir until it thickens, like honey or maple syrup consistency.
- Once the tofu is cooked, pour it into the sauce and toss to coat. Serve over rice, and garnish with freshly chopped green onion and sesame seeds, as desired. Enjoy immediately or store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days.
@plantyou honey garlic tofu #recipe #budgetrecipe #plantbased ♬ TRINIX Vaitimbora feat Mari Froes – TRINIX
Notes
-
- Swap maple syrup for agave or date syrup if those are more accessible to you.
-
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version or regular soy sauce if you don’t have a gluten restriction.
-
- Alternatively, coconut aminos are a great soy-free source of umami.
-
- Add broccoli, bell pepper, or snap peas to the mixture for extra fiber. This may also bulk up the volume of the meal.