Easy Honey Garlic Tofu (Crispy & Delicious)

If you think tofu is boring, this Honey Garlic Tofu will completely change your mind. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sticky-sweet garlic sauce that tastes better than takeout — but comes together right in your own kitchen.

This Honey Garlic Tofu recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting, flavorful, and meatless without sacrificing taste. Serve it over rice, tuck it into bowls, or enjoy it straight from the pan. If you’re looking for a fully plant-based option, try my vegan version of this recipe, made with the same bold flavors and simple ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

• 14 oz (400 g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) neutral oil (vegetable or canola, for frying)

Optional ingredients:

• ½ tsp (2.5 g) red pepper flakes (for heat)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) water (to thin the sauce if needed)
• 1 tsp (3 g) grated fresh ginger

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Press the tofu
   Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy pan on top. Press for 15–20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-size cubes.
2. Coat the tofu
   Add the tofu cubes to a bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss gently until each piece is evenly coated.
3. Crisp the tofu
   Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu in a single layer and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the sauce
   Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine and glaze
   Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the honey garlic sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until glossy and sticky. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
6. Finish and serve
   Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

• Press the tofu well
  The drier the tofu, the crispier your Honey Garlic Tofu turns out. Don’t rush this step — it makes a big difference.
• Bake or air-fry option
  For a lighter version, bake the cornstarch-coated tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. You can also air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.
• Make it vegan
  Swap the honey with ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup or agave for a fully plant-based Honey Garlic Tofu.
• Add veggies
  Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or green beans during the last few minutes for a complete one-pan meal.
• Control the sweetness
  Prefer less sweet? Reduce the honey to 3 tbsp (45 ml) and add 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) water to balance the sauce.

SERVING IDEAS

• Over rice or grains
  Serve Honey Garlic Tofu over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up all that sticky sauce.
• Noodle bowls
  Pair it with rice noodles or soba noodles and add a simple veggie slaw for a cozy, satisfying bowl.
• Weeknight stir-fry plate
  Add sautéed broccoli, carrots, or snow peas on the side for a quick, balanced dinner.
• Wraps or lettuce cups
  Spoon Honey Garlic Tofu into warm tortillas or crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, lighter meal.
• Party-friendly option
  Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions.

FAQs

Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Honey Garlic Tofu

Print

This Honey Garlic Tofu is crispy, sticky, and packed with sweet-savory flavor. It’s an easy, satisfying meatless dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400 g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) neutral oil (vegetable or canola)

Optional:

• ½ tsp (2.5 g) red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) water, to thin sauce
• 1 tsp (3 g) fresh grated ginger

Instructions

1. Press the tofu for 15–20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes.
   
2. Toss tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.
   
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tofu for 8–10 minutes, turning until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
   
4. Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
   
5. Stir in soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
   
6. Return tofu to the pan and toss until fully coated. Cook 1–2 minutes until glossy and sticky.
   
7. Serve immediately.

Notes

For baked tofu: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

For air fryer tofu: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.

Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan Honey Garlic Tofu.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 320Total Fat: 18gCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 18g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

If you’re looking for a simple, flavor-packed meal that never feels boring, this Honey Garlic Tofu deserves a spot on your weekly menu. It’s crispy, cozy, and coated in that irresistible sweet garlic sauce that makes tofu truly crave-worthy.

I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own. Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest, share it with friends, and leave a comment to let me know how your Honey Garlic Tofu turned out. Happy cooking 🤍✨