Description
Irresistible garlic tofu brings bold Asian flavors to dinner tables with crisp golden edges and savory seasonings. Home cooks can quickly master this simple protein dish that delights with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 15 oz (425 g) super-firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained well
- 5 tbsps soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free option)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- ¼ cup water (or low sodium vegetable broth)
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 tsps Sambal Oelek (or substitute Sriracha)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 lime, zest and juice
- vegetable oil for cooking
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1–2 green onions, sliced on the diagonal
- 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl, setting cornstarch aside for later use.
- Tofu Preparation: Slice extra-firm tofu into uniform 1/2-inch cubes using a sharp knife, then marinate in half the prepared sauce for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Coating Process: Delicately coat marinated tofu pieces with cornstarch, ensuring a light, even layer to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Cooking Technique: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, carefully arranging tofu cubes in a single layer to prevent overcrowding.
- Frying and Glazing: Pan-fry tofu until golden brown, rotating to ensure even cooking, then introduce remaining marinade whisked with cornstarch to create a glossy, caramelizing sauce.
- Finishing Touch: Transfer tofu to serving plate, coating each piece in the thickened sauce and garnishing with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Marinate Mindfully: Let tofu absorb flavors for exactly 20 minutes at room temperature to maximize taste penetration without compromising texture.
- Cornstarch Coating Technique: Dust tofu lightly and evenly to create a crispy golden exterior that locks in moisture and develops rich caramelization.
- Heat Management: Maintain medium heat consistently to prevent burning while ensuring a perfectly crisp, golden-brown tofu surface without overcrowding the pan.
- Sauce Finishing Touch: Whisk cornstarch into remaining marinade carefully to create a glossy, thickened glaze that elevates the tofu’s flavor and appearance.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg