Ready to give your weeknight dinner a flavorful upgrade?
This Crispy Spicy Honey Garlic Tofu combines golden, crispy tofu cubes with a sweet, savory, and spicy glaze made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and gochujang. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crunch and bold flavor!
Served with fresh scallions and sesame seeds, this easy recipe is perfect over fluffy rice or alongside your favorite vegetables. It's a delicious plant-based meal that's simple to prepare and full of flavor.
Let’s dig in!
Total time: 30 Minutes | Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Crispy Tofu:
16 oz firm or extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ cup cornstarch
½ cup avocado oil, for frying (optional)
For the Spicy Honey Garlic Glaze:
1 tablespoon avocado or sesame oil
7 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon gochujang
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos
¼ cup hot water
Instructions:
Prepare the Tofu: Drain the tofu and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. Cut it into 1-inch cubes and pat the cubes dry again to remove as much moisture as possible. Transfer to a bowl and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Coat the Tofu: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the seasoned tofu and toss until each cube is evenly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch to prevent a thick or pasty coating.
Cook Until Crispy:
For frying: Heat ½ cup of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Fry for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, turning until the cubes are golden and crispy on all sides. Transfer to a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
For baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly toss the tofu cubes with 1–2 tablespoons of avocado oil, then arrange them in a single layer with space between each piece. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the edges. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Prepare the Honey Garlic Glaze: In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Add the honey, gochujang, brown sugar, tamari/coconut aminos, and hot water. Stir until combined and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the glaze thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Coat the Tofu: Add the crispy tofu to the pan with the glaze. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated. Heat for another minute or so, allowing the glaze to cling to the tofu.
Garnish & Serve: Finish with chopped scallions. Serve immediately over rice, with steamed vegetables, or alongside your favorite grain.
Nutrition Facts
400 calories | 17 g protein | 37 g carbs | 22 g fat | 2 g fiber
Tatum’s Recipe Hacks:
✨ Make It a Balanced Bowl: Serve the crispy tofu over brown rice or quinoa with steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, edamame, or sautéed bok choy. Adding vegetables and whole grains provides extra fiber and makes this a more balanced meal.
🌶️ Gochujang is a traditional Korean fermented red chili paste made with ingredients such as red chili powder, fermented soybeans, and rice. It adds a unique combination of heat, sweetness, and savory umami flavor to sauces, marinades, and stir-fries.
Let’s work together! Want individualized meal and snack ideas that align with your nutrition and wellness goals?
Contact me at tatum@equilibriumnutrition.net for more questions.
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Cheers to thriving together!
