Crispy Honey Sesame Tofu

$- 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, drained and pressed - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 1/4 cup sesame oil (for frying) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 tablespoons honey (use maple syrup for a vegan option) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste To make crispy honey sesame tofu, you need great ingredients. First, get firm tofu. This type holds its shape well while cooking. You will also need cornstarch. It helps make the tofu crispy when fried. Next, sesame oil adds a rich, nutty taste. Make sure to grab soy sauce for a salty kick. Honey, or maple syrup if you want a vegan dish, gives the tofu sweetness. Rice vinegar adds a tangy note to balance the flavors. Sesame seeds are a must for a nice crunch and garnish. Green onions bring freshness and color. Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor, while salt and pepper season the dish just right. Gather these ingredients to create a tasty plant-based meal that is sure to impress! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Cutting the Tofu: Start by cutting the firm tofu into bite-sized cubes. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. - Seasoning Process: In a mixing bowl, add the tofu cubes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss gently to coat each piece. - Dredging Technique: Place cornstarch in a shallow dish. Dredge each tofu cube in the cornstarch. Make sure they are well-coated for that crispy texture. - Shaking Off Excess: After coating, shake off any extra cornstarch. This step keeps the tofu from being too heavy. - Heat Settings: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding tofu. - Cooking Time and Techniques: Fry tofu cubes for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Cook until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them and place on a paper towel to drain. - Combining Ingredients: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Mix well. - Thickening Process: Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes. It should thicken slightly for the perfect glaze. - Tossing Method: Carefully add the crispy tofu back into the skillet. Gently toss to coat in the honey sauce. - Adding Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds into the skillet. Mix them in to spread the flavor evenly. - Final Presentation Tips: Remove from heat and add thinly sliced green onions on top. This adds color and freshness. - Serving Suggestions: Serve the crispy honey sesame tofu over jasmine rice or with stir-fried veggies. Garnish with extra sesame seeds for a lovely touch. - Best Oil for Frying: I love using sesame oil. It has a nice flavor and helps the tofu get crispy. You can also use canola or vegetable oil if you want a milder taste. - Temperature Tips: Heat the oil until it shimmers. This means it's hot enough for frying. If the oil is not hot, the tofu will soak up too much oil and won't get crispy. - Alternative Sauces: If you want to switch things up, try using teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce. Both add a fun twist to the dish. - Additional Seasonings: You can add ginger powder or red pepper flakes for more flavor. These spices give a nice kick and make the dish more exciting. - Substituting Honey: To make this dish vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey. It gives a similar sweetness and works well in the sauce. You can also try agave nectar for another option. Pro Tips Perfectly Pressed Tofu: Ensure your tofu is thoroughly pressed to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve the desired crispiness when frying. Consistent Coating: For an even and crispy coating, make sure to coat the tofu cubes with cornstarch in small batches, shaking off any excess before frying. High Heat for Frying: Fry the tofu on medium-high heat to get that golden brown color quickly without making it too oily or soggy. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or acidity of the honey sauce according to your taste preferences by adding more honey or rice vinegar. {{image_4}} Different Types of Tofu You can use different types of tofu for this dish. Firm tofu gives the best texture. Silken tofu works, but it won’t be as crispy. If you want a heartier bite, try extra-firm tofu. It holds up well during cooking. Alternative Sweeteners Honey adds a nice sweet touch. If you want a vegan option, use maple syrup. Agave nectar is another good swap. Each sweetener gives a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment. Adding Vegetables You can add a variety of vegetables to your dish. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work great. Stir-fry them quickly before adding the tofu. This makes a colorful and nutritious meal. Serving with Rice or Noodles This crispy honey sesame tofu pairs well with rice or noodles. Jasmine rice is a great choice for its light flavor. For noodles, try soba or rice noodles. They soak up the sauce nicely! Making Ahead You can prepare the tofu in advance. Cook it and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet. Freezing Options You can also freeze the cooked tofu. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. It stays good for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. How to Store Leftovers After enjoying your crispy honey sesame tofu, let it cool down. Place the tofu in an airtight container. Make sure to keep the sauce separate to keep the tofu crispy. You can also store the sauce in another container. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. Shelf Life The leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. After that, the texture might change. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. Best Methods for Crispiness To keep your tofu crispy, the oven is your best friend. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tofu on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10 minutes. This method helps the tofu regain its crunch. Microwave vs Oven Options While the microwave is quick, it can make the tofu soft. If you need to use the microwave, do it for just 30 seconds. Check to see if it’s warm. If not, heat it a bit longer. But for the best taste and texture, always choose the oven. To make crispy tofu, you must use firm tofu. Press it to remove excess water. Cut it into bite-sized cubes. Season the cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This adds flavor. Next, coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch. This helps create a crispy crust. Heat sesame oil in a skillet. Fry the tofu cubes until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Finally, drain the tofu on a paper towel. This keeps it crispy. Yes, you can use other oils for frying. If you don't have sesame oil, try vegetable oil or canola oil. These oils work well and have a neutral flavor. Peanut oil is another option, especially for Asian dishes. It gives a nice taste too. Just make sure to heat the oil until it shimmers before frying. This recipe is great for meal prep! Store the crispy tofu in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer for best crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the tofu soggy. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will keep the texture nice and crunchy. If you want a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey. It gives a similar sweetness. Agave nectar is another good choice. Both options work well in the sauce. They add flavor without harming any bees. You can also try brown rice syrup if you have it. This blog post covered ingredients and steps to make crispy tofu with a tasty sauce. You learned how to prepare, coat, and fry the tofu for the best texture. Tips on flavor and meal prep were shared, too. For a lovely finish, consider garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy this dish as a delightful main course or a snack. Now you can impress friends with this easy and delicious recipe.$

Crispy Honey Sesame Tofu

A delicious and crispy tofu dish coated in a sweet honey sesame sauce, perfect for a main course or appetizer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup sesame oil (for frying)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey (use maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 pieces green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu: Start by cutting the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. In a mixing bowl, add the tofu cubes and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss gently to ensure all sides are evenly seasoned.
Coat with Cornstarch: Transfer the cornstarch to a shallow dish. Dredge each tofu cube in the cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch as you go.
Fry the Tofu: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until each cube is golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Honey Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan substitute), and rice vinegar. Stir the mixture well to combine, then let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Tofu and Sauce: Carefully reintroduce the crispy tofu to the skillet. Gently toss the tofu in the honey sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle the sesame seeds into the skillet and mix to distribute evenly among the tofu.
Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and add the sliced green onions on top of the tofu dish for a fresh finish before serving.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve over jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Keyword honey, sesame, tofu, vegan option