Easy Honey Garlic Tofu with Soy Sauce & Butter Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Honey Garlic Tofu recipe combines crispy tofu with a sweet and savory garlic sauce, making it a perfect plant-based dinner. The balance of soy sauce, honey, and butter creates a rich flavor that’s sure to satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu (280g)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for the marinade)
• 3 tbsp corn flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp pepper
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Press your tofu to remove excess moisture and pat it dry. Cut the tofu into approximately 2cm thick slices or cubes, depending on your preference.
2. Step 2: Place the tofu in a container and pour 1 tablespoon of soy sauce over it. Optionally, add a splash of sesame oil. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Step 3: On a plate, mix together the corn flour, salt, and pepper. Press each tofu piece into the mixture on both sides until coated.
4. Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the tofu slices for about 3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Remove the tofu and set aside.
5. Step 5: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add 3 tablespoons soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce becomes aromatic.
6. Step 6: Return the tofu to the pan, cooking it in the honey garlic sauce for 2-3 minutes on each side. Make sure each side is well coated with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Remove the tofu from the pan, slice it into strips, and serve immediately with fluffy white rice and optionally, thinly sliced spring onions.

Tips & Variations

• Pressing the tofu well beforehand helps achieve a crispier texture when frying.
• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of sesame oil to the marinade or garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
• Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version.

Storage

Store any leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat to maintain the crispiness of the coating. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tofu soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft or silken tofu for this recipe?

Firm tofu is recommended because it holds its shape well and crisps up nicely. Soft or silken tofu is too delicate and may fall apart during cooking.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe can be made vegan by substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and using a plant-based butter alternative.

Easy Honey Garlic Tofu with Soy Sauce & Butter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 109 reviews

This Easy Honey Garlic Tofu recipe combines crispy pan-fried tofu with a luscious honey garlic soy butter sauce. Marinated and coated tofu slices are pan-fried to golden perfection, then simmered in a flavorful sauce for a deliciously sticky and savory finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over steamed rice and garnished with spring onions.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Tofu and Marinade

• 1 block of firm tofu (280g)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for the marinade)
• Optional: splash of sesame oil

Coating

• 3 tbsp corn flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp pepper

Cooking and Sauce

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess moisture if required, then pat dry with paper towels. Cut the tofu into approximately 2cm thick slices or cubes, depending on your preference.
2. Marinate the tofu: Place the tofu pieces in a container and pour over 1 tbsp soy sauce and optionally a splash of sesame oil. Allow it to marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Coat the tofu: In a shallow plate, mix together the corn flour, salt, and pepper. Press each tofu slice on both sides into the corn flour mixture, ensuring a good coating that will crisp up when fried.
4. Pan-fry the tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu slices carefully using tongs and fry for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
5. Prepare the honey garlic sauce: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and honey, stirring to combine. Add the butter and allow it to melt into the sauce, forming a glossy, fragrant mixture.
6. Coat tofu in sauce: Return the fried tofu to the pan and cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes on each side, making sure each piece is evenly coated in the sticky honey garlic butter sauce.
7. Serve: Remove the tofu from the pan, slice into strips if desired, and serve immediately over fluffy white rice. Garnish with thinly sliced spring onions for added freshness and color.
8. Enjoy: Dig into this sweet and savory honey garlic tofu that balances crispy texture and rich sauce in every bite.

Notes

• Pressing the tofu helps remove excess moisture, allowing it to crisp better when fried.
• Marinating the tofu enhances the depth of flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
• Use firm tofu to ensure the pieces hold their shape during frying.
• Adjust honey quantity if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
• Serve with steamed or jasmine rice and garnish with fresh spring onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Keywords: honey garlic tofu, crispy tofu, pan-fried tofu, soy sauce tofu, vegetarian tofu recipe, easy tofu recipe, Asian tofu dish