Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

Name: Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 block of firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 carrot, julienned; Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick Recipe Vault

I love making Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry on busy weeknights when I need something quick yet delicious. The combination of crispy tofu, colorful vegetables, and a sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce creates an irresistible dish that is packed with flavor. It comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you will be making it again and again!

Created by

Lydia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:33:35.655Z

I remember the first time I made Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry; it was a delightful experiment in the kitchen that turned out better than I expected. The key is to press the tofu beforehand, allowing it to absorb the sauce while achieving that perfect crunchy exterior that we all crave. Utilizing a mix of vibrant vegetables not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand, and the sauce can be adjusted to fit your taste. Whether you want it sweeter or a bit spicier, it's all up to you. Simmering the garlic and honey together creates a mouthwatering glaze that clings beautifully to the tofu and veggies!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors
Crispy tofu paired with fresh crunchy vegetables
Quick to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners

Perfecting Your Tofu

To achieve the perfect crispy texture for your tofu, pressing it is key. When you press the tofu for at least 15 minutes, you're removing excess moisture, which helps it absorb the marinade and become crispy when cooked. If you find that the tofu is still too moist after pressing, don’t hesitate to use a paper towel to pat it dry further. This step is crucial because moisture can prevent the tofu from achieving that golden, crunchy exterior you desire.

Coating the tofu in cornstarch is another important technique. This not only helps create a nice crust, but it also aids in achieving a delightful crunch during cooking. Ensure that each cube is evenly coated, shaking off any excess cornstarch. A light, even coating is the goal; too much cornstarch can lead to a gummy texture instead of the crispiness we want. If you're following a gluten-free diet, cornstarch is an excellent alternative to flour.

Vegetable Choices and Benefits

The combination of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots not only adds vibrant colors but also brings a variety of nutrients to your dish. Bell peppers provide a sweet crunch and are high in vitamin C, while broccoli offers fiber and antioxidants. Carrots add a natural sweetness alongside their crisp texture. If you're looking to add more vegetables or use what you have on hand, feel free to swap in snap peas, zucchini, or even bok choy. Just keep in mind the cooking times, as some vegetables may require longer to soften.

When sautéing your vegetables, proper heat management is critical. Using medium-high heat allows for a quick stir-fry to achieve that tender-crisp texture. If you notice your vegetables starting to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning. Ideally, the vegetables should retain a bit of crunch and their vibrant colors, which signals that they're cooked perfectly while still maintaining their nutritional value.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that reheating tofu can sometimes lead to a loss of that signature crispy texture. A great tip is to reheat the stir fry on a skillet over medium heat rather than in the microwave. This will help restore some of the tofu's crunch. You can also re-add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of water to help revive the flavors.

Serving this dish over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa elevates it to a satisfying meal. You can also serve it alongside a side of fresh greens for added texture and nutrients. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to add a zesty kick that complements the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

1 block of firm tofu, pressed and cubed
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned
Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water for at least 15 minutes, then cut it into cubes. Toss the tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.

Cook the Tofu

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Pour this sauce over the vegetables and stir to combine.

Combine and Serve

Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet, gently mixing everything to coat it in the sauce. Cook for an additional minute before serving, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Pro Tips

Pressing the tofu before cooking is key for achieving that crispy texture. Don't skip this step!

Ingredient Substitutions

If honey isn't an option for you, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar as a vegan alternative. These substitutes will still lend a delicious sweetness to the sauce while complementing the savory components of the dish. Additionally, if you're managing sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of honey or syrup used, adjusting according to taste, as the other ingredients still provide plenty of flavor.

For a gluten-free option, replace regular soy sauce with tamari. This gives you the same umami flavor without any gluten. If you're sensitive to soy, coconut aminos are an excellent substitute that offers a slightly sweeter taste. Whichever option you choose, keep in mind that adjusting the level of salt in the dish might be necessary to balance flavors.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up for a larger gathering is straightforward. Simply double or triple the quantities of the ingredients. Keep in mind that you may need to cook the tofu and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to steaming rather than nice browning. Ensure that each batch has enough space to crisp up properly, allowing the tofu to gain that desired crunchy exterior.

When scaling down, consider using only half a block of tofu or adjusting the vegetables proportionally. Even if you’re cooking for one or two, the leftovers can make for an excellent lunch the next day, so don’t be afraid of preparing the full recipe. The flavors meld beautifully as they sit, often making the dish even more delicious upon reheating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins instead of tofu?

Yes! Chicken, shrimp, or even tempeh would be great substitutes.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

The recipe is already vegan! Just double-check that your honey is vegan-friendly or substitute it with agave syrup.

→ Can I prep this in advance?

Absolutely! You can prep the tofu and chop your veggies beforehand for quicker cooking.