I tend to forget how much I enjoy tofu. It always seems like SUCH an effort to make when I am at the grocery store brainstorming what I want to eat in the coming week. But it is so friggen good with the right sauce. And it really isn’t that hard! The trick is being patient! Mushy tofu might be the worst… but crispy pan-fried tofu tossed and delicious sauce. MWA! Delicious! Whether you love tofu or have never tried it, you should absolutely try this Sweet Hoisin and Hot Honey Tofu.
When I bought tofu at the store they other day, I had full intentions of making my FAVORITE Crispy Peanut Tofu (V). Unfortunately, when I got home I realized that I didn’t have enough peanut butter. What a TRAVESTY!
But also, maybe it was actually a blessing – because it led me to create this DELICIOUS Sweet Hoisin and Hot Honey Tofu which was pretty damn good if I do say so myself!
Sweet, tangy hoisin sauce spiced with hot honey, ginger, and garlic. YUM!! I enjoyed mine over a bed of butternut squash noodles, but this tofu would take great over zoodle, sweet potato noodles, traditional noodles, rice, farro, or even bulgar!
If you missed my recent recipe for Sweet Hot Honey Carrots, then you missed my rant about hot honey…
Long story short – hot honey is DELISH! And Mike’s Hot Honey is the hot honey brand that I personally use and love.
What is hot honey? Hot honey is exactly as it sounds… hot (as in spicy) honey. I was introduced to hot honey by Mike’s Hot Honey, but you can absolutely make hot honey for yourself! (See my Sweet Hot Honey Carrots post for instructions).
Back to this Sweet Hoisin and Hot Honey Tofu! If you can’t find hot honey in the store, and you don’t want to make your own – you are welcome to use traditional honey! For that extra kick, I would suggest you consider adding additional chili paste! Not a fan of spicy? Well then, skip the chili paste all together.
You can cook this tofu directly in oil for a crispy delicious outside and soft tender inside. Or you coat the tofu with a bit of cornstarch to absorb extra sauce! I love the little extra bit of cornstarch because it makes the sauce thick and yummy – little bits get stuck to the pan and are all crispy, yum yum yum!
If you do use cornstarch, the tofu might not store quite as well! The cornstarch will soften in the fridge and make the tofu less crispy. So if you aren’t enjoying the tofu right away, consider skipping the cornstarch and frying the tofu directly in oil! Regardless, I cannot wait for you to try out this recipe! I hope that you love love love this dish as much as I do!
Crispy tofu coated with sweet, tangy hoisin, seasoned with ginger, garlic and hot honey. This Hot Honey Hoisin tofu won't disappoint!
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp spicy chili sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
- 12 oz firm tofu drained
- 3-4 tbsp cornstarch
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In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
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Line a plate with a kitchen towel or paper towel, drain all liquid from tofu container. Lay tofu on top of towel and use and additional towel to press excess moisture out of tofu.
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Cut tofu into bite-sized pieces then toss in cornstarch to coat.
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In a large non-stick skillet or pan, heat sesame oil until shimmering. Add cornstarch-coated tofu to pan and stir fry until golden brown. This will take a few minutes.
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Pour sauce over tofu and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce begins to thicken
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Enjoy tofu over a bed of, warm farro, rice, cauliflower rice, zoodles, noodles, greens, or literally anything else! Simply toss saucy tofu with whatever bed of deliciousness you choose to accompany your tofu! Top with sesame seeds and scallions.
Storage: Refrigerate tofu in an airtight container. Store an additional zoodles, farro, or rice separately.
NOMaste,
Haley
Loved this vegan recipe? Try another! Crispy Peanut Tofu (V), Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, Loaded Veggie Pesto Pasta (V)
