Meet the irresistible flavors of crispy sticky tofu, a perfect amalgamation of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will win over even the most staunch tofu-refuser.
Tofu, the humble vegan plant-based protein can be transformed into almost anything (or nothing at all). With its blank canvas of flavor, tofu can be seasoned and elevated in any direction you desire. In this recipe, we bring all the flavors to the forefront with crispy pieces of tofu coated in a sweet and sticky glaze that just screams of “EAT ME!”.
And the recipe is so simple it will take you from zero to heaven in just 15 minutes. 
To start, press the extra firm tofu to remove any excess water that may hinder the crisping process. Afterward, slice the tofu into diagonal or cubed pieces.
Next, coat the tofu pieces with a cornstarch layer, giving them an extra crispy texture when fried in a neutral oil like avocado oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil. Fry the tofu pieces until they turn golden and crispy, ensuring that they are placed in a single layer in the pan.
The marinade is where the magic happens. In a small bowl, mix sweet soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated garlic, chili flakes, cornstarch, and water to create a thick, sticky glaze. Pour the marinade into the pan with the tofu, and quickly toss the tofu pieces to coat them evenly in the sauce. The cornstarch in the marinade thickens the sauce and transforms it into a sticky glaze that is perfect for dipping and savoring.
Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions to add some visual appeal and depth of flavor. Serve the crispy sticky tofu with rice and vegetables or as a fun and delicious appetizer.
Pressing the tofu beforehand and coating it in cornstarch ensures that the texture is crispy and crunchy, setting the dish up to be perfectly dunked in the absolutely decadent sauce.
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Crispy Sticky Tofu
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 people 1x
Description
In this recipe, we bring all the flavors to the forefront with crispy pieces of tofu coated in a sweet and sticky glaze that just screams of “EAT ME!”.
Ingredients
14 oz extra firm tofu
4 1/2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1–2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoons red pepper flakes – adjust for spicyness
4 1/2 tablespoons corn starch
4–5 tablespoons water
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
Garnish
Sea salt flakes, sesame seeds or chopped green onions
Instructions
Begin by draining and pressing tofu using a tofu press or by wrapping it in a clean tea towel and placing a weight on top to remove excess water.
In a small bowl or ramekin, whisk together sweet soy sauce, vinegar, grated garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch and four tablespoons of water and stir until combined.
Slice the tofu into triangles or cubes and coat them in the remaining cornstarch.
Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, then add the tofu in a single layer, frying until golden and crispy.
Add the marinade to the pan, quickly coating all sides of the tofu.
Serve the crispy sticky tofu hot, garnished with sesame seeds or sea salt flakes and green onions.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Main Course, Side
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Wow, this was incredibly delicious – came out perfect! Five stars for sure!