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A top-down view of a white ceramic bowl containing Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu with a translucent glossy glaze, sesame seeds, and sliced green scallions on fluffy white rice.

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu: The Ultimate 20-Minute Sticky Dinner

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu features pan-fried extra firm tofu cubes tossed in a glossy, dark-amber honey garlic glaze. Served over fluffy white rice and garnished with sesame seeds and scallions for a better-than-takeout 30-minute meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tofu and Glaze Components
  • 14 oz Extra Firm Tofu Pressed and cubed
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch For coating
  • 2 tbsp Neutral Oil For frying
  • 1/3 cup Honey Substitute with agave for vegan
  • 3 tbsp Soy Sauce Low sodium preferred
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar Adds acidity
  • 5 cloves Garlic Finely minced
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ginger Grated
  • 2 cups Steamed White Rice For serving
  • 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds White
  • 2 stalks Green Scallions Thinly sliced rings

Equipment

  • 1 Non-stick Skillet Large enough to avoid overcrowding the tofu.
  • 1 Tofu Press or Heavy Skillet Used for removing moisture from the tofu block.

Method
 

Prepare the Tofu
  1. Wrap the extra firm tofu in towels and place a heavy skillet on top for 15 minutes to remove moisture.
  2. Cube the tofu and toss in a bowl with cornstarch and salt until opaque and fully coated.
Cook and Glaze
  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu cubes until golden-brown and crispy on all sides.
  2. Whisk sauce ingredients and pour into the pan. Toss for 2-3 minutes until a thick, glossy, dark-amber glaze forms.
  3. Serve over steamed white rice. Top with a heavy sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallion rings.

Notes

Use extra-firm tofu only; other varieties will crumble.
Reheat in an air fryer to maintain the crispy texture.