Description
This crispy and tender honey garlic tofu is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. Air-fried to golden perfection and coated in a rich, flavorful honey garlic sauce, it’s a delicious plant-based meal!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the tofu:
- 14 oz extra firm tofu (1 block)
- 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic granule
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/8 tsp ginger powder
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (divided)
- 4 tbsp potato starch or tapioca starch (divided)
- Avocado oil spray for air fryer basket
- For the honey garlic sauce:
- 1 oz garlic (5 large cloves, finely minced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp honey (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 tsp shiitake mushroom seasoning (or chicken bouillon, dashi powder, or MSG)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tsp starch
- For garnish:
- 2 scallions (diced into small rounds)
- Toasted black sesame seeds
- Chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prep and season tofu: Drain the tofu and pat it dry with paper towels. Slice into cubes slightly larger than ½-inch. Pat them dry again.
- Season and coat the tofu: In a mixing bowl, combine salt, garlic granules, white pepper, and ginger powder. Add the tofu and toss gently with a rubber spatula. Add 1 tbsp oil, then sprinkle in the starch, 2 tbsp at a time, until all sides are evenly coated.
- Air Fryer Option: Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil. Add tofu in a single layer, spray more oil on top, and air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip the tofu, spray with more oil, and air fry for an additional 5 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Oven Bake Option: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place tofu in a single layer, lightly spray with oil, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prepare the sauce: Mince the garlic and set aside. In a measuring cup, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup, honey, shiitake mushroom seasoning, chicken stock, and starch. Stir well.
- Cook the sauce: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 10-15 seconds. Stir the sauce mixture and pour it into the pan. Increase heat to medium-high, and stir for 1 to 1.5 minutes. Add the tofu and toss for 30 seconds until the sauce thickens.
Notes
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more honey to taste.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- To make this recipe spicier, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg