Should I toss tofu in cornstarch before frying?

Yes. A light toss in cornstarch helps the crust crisp up evenly. Shake off any excess starch to avoid clumps, then fry in a hot pan for best crunch. If you skip the coating, you’ll still have pleasant texture, but it won’t be as crackly.

How long does crispy tofu stay good in the fridge or freezer?

Fridge storage is best within 2–3 days for texture retention. Reheat in a hot skillet with a touch of oil to restore crispiness. Freezing isn’t ideal for texture; if you must, freeze un-fried blocks and cook fresh.

Is there a dairy-free/vegan honey substitute for the glaze?

Yes. Use pure maple syrup or agave as a vegan substitute. Keep the same 2 tablespoons measure and add a splash of rice vinegar if you want brightness.

Can I bake or air-fry Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu for a lighter version?

Yes. Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, shaking once. Or bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once. Dust with cornstarch and spray lightly with oil for extra crisp, then glaze after cooking.

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu Delivers 3 Irresistible Bold Tips

Name: Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu Delivers 3 Irresistible Bold Tips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 2 tbsp cornstarch; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp neutral oil (for frying); 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari; 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan); 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp water; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ tsp grated fresh ginger; 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry); Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds; Steamed rice or noodles (for serving)

Description

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu – Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, this honey garlic tofu dish is sticky, sweet, and addictive.

Ingredients

Scale

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
2 tbsp cornstarch
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp neutral oil (for frying)
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp water
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Steamed rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions

Press tofu for 10–15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
Toss tofu cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu until golden and crispy on all sides, about 8–10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, water, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens to a glossy glaze, about 1–2 minutes.
Add crispy tofu to the pan and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
Serve hot over rice or noodles, topped with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For extra crisp, press the tofu to remove more moisture and toss with cornstarch before frying.
Use honey for a sticky glaze, or substitute maple syrup for a vegan version.
Keep the sauce simmering just until it thickens to a glaze; over-thickening can make it sticky/clumpy.
Serve with steamed rice or noodles and a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-fry, Stir-fry
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/3 of recipe)
Calories: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A
Fat: N/A
Saturated Fat: N/A
Unsaturated Fat: N/A
Trans Fat: N/A
Carbohydrates: N/A
Fiber: N/A
Protein: N/A
Cholesterol: N/A

Keywords: Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu, crispy tofu, honey garlic tofu, tofu recipe, plant-based, weeknight dinner