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Crispy Asian Tofu in a Ginger Garlic Sauce (No Fry) is a delicious, nutritious, vegan protein option bursting with flavor. The crispy tofu is not fried, and coated in a homemade sweet & spicy teriyaki sauce. Enjoy this quick & easy 30-minute meal with a side of rice and veggies.
My Thoughts on Tofu
Tofu often gets a bad rep because it’s a processed food that contains soy and is genetically modified. If GMOs are a concern for you as they are for me, then stick to organic tofu that is GMO-free. (Source: Healthline)
To be honest, when it comes to tofu, I’m on the fence too, but as much as I enjoy nonveg, I’m not about to eat it daily to satisfy my protein intake. I was raised in a vegetarian household, and tofu was often our source of protein.
I like tofu because it’s a vegan high-protein option for those of us who don’t enjoy eating nonveg often. Plus, if tofu is flavored well, it tastes amazing. I believe there are advantages and disadvantages to all foods, and just like anything in life, all things in moderation, including tofu.
Inspiration for this dish
I hope you guys enjoy this delicious Asian Teriyaki Tofu dish that even my meat-eating husband loved. This This easy recipe has plenty of flavor and was inspired by my Honey Glazed Ginger Garlic Salmon which is prepared in a similar sauce. You’ll find similar flavors in my Indo-Chinese Chili Tofu and Tofu Lettuce Wraps.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – It’s made with simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store.
- High Protein Vegan Option – If you’re looking to add more plant-based protein to your diet, using tofu is a great option.
- Ginger, Garlic, Green Chili Combo – You really can’t beat this combo. They add spice and a ton of flavor.
- Quick & Easy – This dish comes together fast and is great for busy weekdays.
Ingredients
- Tofu – I recommend using organic firm tofu. I’ve also tested this recipe with medium tofu – it’s softer and delicious. I don’t recommend using extra firm tofu since it may get tough. Press the tofu first to remove excess moisture using a tofu press.
- Cornstarch – Add a little cornstarch to the cubed tofu – this will help crisp up the tofu. Also, we will need cornstarch to make a slurry which results in a silky and slightly thickened sauce.
- Chili Oil Crunch – I used Momufoku’s Chili Oil Crunch which is quite spicy. Alternatively, you may use Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch which is cheaper, less spicy, and so delicious. Alternatively, you may use crushed red pepper flakes too.
- Honey – I love using honey in Asian food, but for a vegan option, you may use brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup.
- Chili Vinegar – I used Ching’s Chili Vinegar, however rice vinegar works great too.
- Oil – I recommend using a high-heat oil such as avocado oil. If you must use a seed oil, then opt for organic canola oil.
*See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.*
Substitutions
- Vegan – Skip honey, and use an equal amount of brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and use gluten-free hoisin sauce.
- Tofu – For a non-vegetarian option, you may substitute tofu for chicken, shrimp, or beef.
How to Make Crispy Asian Tofu in a Ginger Garlic Sauce Recipe?
STEP 1 – Prep Tofu & Sauces
1. Press Tofu – Press the tofu using this Tofu Press. I recommend pressing the tofu for at least 1 hour. (Image 1)
2. Cube the tofu into 1-inch cubes. (Image 2)
3. Coat Tofu – Add the tofu to a large mixing bowl along with a tablespoon of cornstarch. (Image 3)
4. Gently toss. (Image 4)
5. Prepare Sauce – In a measuring cup, combine tamari (or soy sauce), hoisin sauce, Momufoku chili oil, honey, and chili vinegar (or rice vinegar). (Image 5)
6. Whisk well. (Image 6)
7. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry – In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch and cold water. (Image 7)
8. Mix well. (Image 8)
STEP 2 – Cook Tofu in Ginger Garlic Sauce
1. Saute Tofu – Add 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick pan (I love OurPlace). Gently toss. Saute the tofu for about 8-10 minutes total on medium heat. (Image 1)
2. This is what you should have after 3 minutes. Gently toss. (Image 2)
3. And 4 minutes later. Gently toss again. (Image 3)
4. Finally, 2 minutes later. Tofu is perfectly crispy and golden brown. Set aside. (Image 4)
5. Prepare Teriyaki Sauce – In the same pan, add 1/2 a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add fresh ginger & garlic, and green chilies. Saute for a minute on medium heat. (Image 5)
6. Now pour all the dark sauce into the pan. It’ll sizzle right away. Cook the sauce for a minute. (Image 6)
7. Gently mix the cornstarch slurry before adding it to the pan. (Image 7)
8. Cook for about 30 seconds – the sauce will thicken. (Image 8)
9. Add Crispy Tofu – Add the crispy tofu back in and reduce to low heat. (Image 9)
10. Add chopped scallions (or green onion). (Image 10)
11. Coat the tofu well with the sauce. Add a squeeze of lime juice. Turn off the stove. (Image 11)
12. Transfer to a bowl and top with a sprinkle of white sesame seeds. See serving suggestions below. (Image 12)
Serving Suggestions
→ Enjoy Tofu in Ginger Garlic Sauce with brown rice, quinoa, white Jasmine rice, or noodles.
→ A side of sauteed/air-fried broccoli, carrots, green beans, bell peppers, bok choy, or your favorite veggie would make a great side.
Nisha’s Tip
✓ More Sauce – As the tofu stir fry dish sits for a while, the tofu will absorb the liquid. Feel free to add a little water at a time and saute for a couple of minutes before serving again.
More Tofu Recipes
Crispy Asian Tofu with Ginger Garlic Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
FOR CRISPY TOFU
- 16 ounces firm organic tofu, pressed & cubed
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp oil
FOR SAUCE
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce, preferably gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, preferably gluten-free
- 1 tbsp chili oil, I like Momufoku
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or vinegar
FOR CORNSTARCH SLURRY
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup cold water
FOR TOFU IN GINGER GARLIC SAUCE
- 1/2 tbsp oil
- 1 1/2 inch ginger, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- add sauce
- add cornstarch slurry
- add crispy tofu
- 1/3 cup scallions, chopped
- 1/2 lime, juice of half lime
- sprinkle sesame seeds
Instructions
STEP 1 – Prep Tofu & Sauces
- Press Tofu – Press the tofu using this Tofu Press. I recommend pressing the tofu for at least 1 hour. Cube the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Coat Tofu – Add the tofu to a large mixing bowl along with a tablespoon of cornstarch. Gently toss.
- Prepare Sauce – In a measuring cup, combine tamari (or soy sauce), hoisin sauce, Momufoku chili oil, honey, and chili vinegar (or rice vinegar). Whisk well.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry – In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch and cold water. Mix well.
STEP 2 – Cook Tofu in Ginger Garlic Sauce
- Saute Tofu – Add 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick pan (I love OurPlace). Gently toss, stirring occasionally. Saute the tofu for about 8-10 minutes total on medium heat. Tofu is perfectly crispy and golden brown. Set aside.
- Prepare Teriyaki Sauce – In the same pan, add 1/2 a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add fresh ginger & garlic, and green chilies. Saute for a minute on medium heat. Pour all the dark sauce into the pan. It'll sizzle right away. Cook the sauce for a minute. Gently mix the cornstarch slurry before adding it to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds – the sauce will thicken.
- Add Crispy Tofu – Add the crispy tofu back in and reduce to low heat. Add chopped scallions (or green onion). Coat the tofu well with the sauce. Add a squeeze of lime juice. Turn off the stove. Transfer to a bowl and top with a sprinkle of white sesame seeds. See serving suggestions below.
Great high-protein meal!! I made it with the Trader Joe’s soyaki sauce since I had it on hand, so tasty!
So good and comforting! Tofu is my favorite. Garnishing with fresh peanuts makes it extra delicious
Tried this recipe recently and it came out amazing! The sauce is savory and spicy and really makes the dish. My new favorite tofu recipe!
So good! Such a yummy and filling meal! Going to add it to my rotation of meals!