Crispy Sticky Tofu Recipe: A Sweet & Savory Delight

Tofu takes center stage in this mouthwatering crispy sticky tofu recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Golden-brown edges and a glossy, irresistible coating make this dish a true showstopper.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and sweet-savory flavors that will leave you wanting more.

The secret lies in the simple yet powerful marinade that transforms ordinary tofu into an extraordinary meal.

crispy edges and a luscious glaze create a texture that will make even meat lovers pause and take notice.

Each piece is carefully prepared to ensure maximum flavor and satisfaction.

This recipe proves that plant-based eating can be incredibly delicious and exciting.

Get ready to add a new favorite to your culinary repertoire that will impress everyone at the table.

FAQs

• What makes the tofu crispy and golden?

The key is thoroughly draining the tofu and coating it completely in cornstarch before pan-frying. This creates a protective layer that helps achieve a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.

• How do I prevent the tofu from sticking to the pan?

Use a non-stick pan and ensure the oil is heated to medium-high before adding the tofu. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and let each piece cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden crust.

• Can I use different types of tofu for this recipe?

Firm or extra-firm tofu works best because they hold their shape during cooking. Silken or soft tofu will break apart and won’t create the desired crispy texture.

Crispy Sticky Tofu For A Tasty Crunch

• Boost Texture Excitement: Enjoy an incredible contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender, silky tofu interior that creates a mouthwatering bite every single time.
• Speedy Meal Magic: Whip up this delicious dish in mere minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques perfect for busy home cooks.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, making this recipe adaptable for different taste preferences and family members.
• Nutritious Protein Power: Deliver a protein-packed meal that's vegetarian-friendly, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients for health-conscious food lovers.

All You Need For Sticky Tofu Success

• Tofu: A protein-rich soy product that serves as the star of this crispy, sticky dish.
• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy coating for the tofu and helps thicken the sauce.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for frying the tofu to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

• Sweet Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar: Provides a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors for the sauce.
• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds depth and a mild spicy kick to the sauce.
• Water: Helps to create the right consistency for the sauce.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds visual appeal and fresh, nutty flavor to the finished dish.

Crispy Sticky Tofu Preparation Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare Tofu

Remove tofu from packaging and drain excess liquid.

Use a tofu press or place between clean tea towels with a heavy object on top to remove water completely.

This process ensures the tofu will become extra crispy when cooked.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Sweet soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Grated garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Cornstarch
• Water

Blend all ingredients until smooth and well combined, creating a tangy and vibrant sauce that will coat the tofu perfectly.

Step 3: Transform Tofu into Crispy Delights

Slice pressed tofu into triangles or bite-sized cubes.

Spread cornstarch on a flat surface and carefully roll each tofu piece, ensuring complete and even coating.

The cornstarch will create a magical crispy exterior when fried.

Step 4: Sizzle and Brown

Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

Carefully place tofu pieces in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.

Fry each side until golden brown and crispy, developing a gorgeous crunchy texture that will make your mouth water.

Step 5: Sauce Magic

Pour prepared sauce directly into the pan with crispy tofu.

Watch as the sauce bubbles and instantly transforms the tofu.

Quickly turn each piece to ensure complete and even coating, creating a glossy and irresistible sticky layer.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer sizzling tofu to a serving plate immediately.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Enjoy hot and crispy!

Top Tips For Crispy Sticky Tofu Lovers

• Press tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove maximum moisture, ensuring a crispier exterior when frying.
• Dust tofu pieces evenly with cornstarch, shaking off excess to create a light, crispy golden crust that helps sauce adhere perfectly.
• Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve uniform browning and prevent soggy tofu pieces.
• Add sauce quickly after frying and toss immediately to prevent burning and ensure each tofu piece gets a glossy, even sticky coating.
• Transfer tofu to serving plate right after coating to preserve crispiness and prevent sauce from making tofu soggy.

Ways To Mix Up Crispy Sticky Tofu

• Protein Power Swap: Replace tofu with firm tempeh or seitan for a different protein-packed alternative that absorbs flavors similarly.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of sweet soy sauce and swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder to make the recipe completely gluten-free.
• Spicy Korean Remix: Add gochujang paste to the sauce for an extra kick of Korean-inspired heat and depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Veggie Option: Substitute tofu with roasted cauliflower florets, using the same coating and sauce technique for a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal.

Serving Crispy Sticky Tofu With Sauce

• Flavor Enhancers: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and crushed red pepper flakes for added texture and visual appeal.
• Rice Pairing: Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the delicious sticky sauce and create a complete meal.
• Veggie Companions: Add roasted broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or stir-fried bell peppers on the side for a nutritious and colorful plate that complements the crispy tofu's rich flavors.
• Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick side dip using extra soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of sesame oil for those who love additional sauce with their crispy tofu.

Store Crispy Sticky Tofu To Keep Crunchy

• Store leftover crispy sticky tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The texture might lose some crispiness, but the flavor remains delicious.
• Warm the tofu in a skillet over medium heat to help restore some crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the tofu soggy and soft.
• While possible, freezing is not recommended as it will significantly change the tofu's texture and compromise the crispy coating.
• Keep the tofu pieces separate with parchment paper to prevent sticking when storing in the container, maintaining their individual crispiness.

Crispy Sticky Tofu Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crispy sticky tofu brings Asian-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen with golden-brown cubes glazed in a tangy sweet sauce. Delicious protein promises a quick meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds with simple ingredients and minimal cooking effort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 11 ounces (300 grams) extra firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch

Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1–2 garlic cloves, grated
• 0.5 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 3–4 tablespoons water

Garnish Ingredients:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Extract excess moisture from tofu by pressing it between tea towels with a weighted object for 15-20 minutes, ensuring a firm texture for optimal crispiness.
2. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together sweet soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes, then incorporate cornstarch and water until smooth and glossy.
3. Transform the pressed tofu into geometric triangles or cubes, then meticulously dredge each piece in cornstarch, creating a powdery, even coating that guarantees a crunchy exterior.
4. Warm a non-stick skillet to medium-high heat with sufficient oil, then arrange tofu pieces without overcrowding, allowing each morsel to develop a golden, crisp crust for approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Cascade the prepared sauce into the sizzling pan, watching it bubble and caramelize instantly, quickly rotating tofu pieces to ensure complete, glossy coverage with the tantalizingly sticky glaze.
6. Immediately plate the glistening tofu, sprinkling with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and complementary crunch.

Notes

• Press tofu thoroughly to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent excess moisture during frying.
• Coat tofu pieces completely in cornstarch for an extra crunchy exterior that helps sauce adhere perfectly.
• Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and ensure even golden-brown coloration without burning.
• Prepare sauce ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and maintain high heat for crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg