Description
Succulent pan-fried garlic tofu delivers a crispy exterior with a silky interior, drawing inspiration from Asian culinary traditions. Fragrant garlic and delicate seasonings elevate this plant-based dish, inviting you to savor each delightful, golden-brown bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 15 ounces (425 grams) super-firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained well
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 5 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons Sambal Oelek (or substitute Sriracha)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water (or low sodium vegetable broth)
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 lime, zest and juice
Garnishes and Cooking Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil for cooking
- 1–2 green onions, sliced on the diagonal
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a compact mixing vessel, reserving cornstarch separately.
- Slice premium extra-firm tofu into precise 1/2-inch (1.27 centimeters) cubes with a sharp culinary knife.
- Submerge tofu cubes in half the prepared marinade, allowing flavors to penetrate for approximately 20 minutes at ambient temperature.
- Delicately dust marinated tofu pieces with cornstarch, ensuring uniform, light coating for enhanced exterior crispiness.
- Warm a non-stick skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat, maintaining consistent temperature.
- Carefully transfer cornstarch-coated tofu into hot skillet, creating a single layer without overcrowding.
- Pan-fry tofu cubes, rotating periodically to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Pour remaining marinade into the skillet, whisking in additional cornstarch to create a glossy, thickening sauce.
- Gently reintroduce crispy tofu into sauce, allowing each piece to become luxuriously glazed and caramelized.
- Transfer tofu to serving plate, garnishing with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Marinate tofu for at least 20 minutes to infuse deep, rich flavor into every bite.
- Coating tofu with cornstarch creates an irresistibly crispy exterior that adds amazing texture.
- Use medium heat when pan-frying to ensure even golden browning without burning the delicate tofu.
- Make a quick cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
- Serve immediately after caramelizing to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy tofu and savory sauce.
- Optional garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds can elevate the dish’s visual appeal and taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 264 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg