Crispy Tofu with Sweet Tangy Glaze

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible recipe for Crispy Tofu with Sweet Tangy Glaze. Featuring perfectly pan-fried tofu cubes coated in a golden, crunchy exterior and tossed in a luscious glaze made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and a tangy hint of ketchup, this dish strikes the ultimate balance between sweet and savory. Seasoned with garlic powder and black pepper, the tofu is crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside—a plant-based protein that’s anything but boring. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, this recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. Serve it over steamy rice or noodles for a satisfying vegan main dish, or present it as a flavorful appetizer sure to impress your guests.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1.5 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Drain the tofu and gently press it between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

In a shallow bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.

Step 3

Gently toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture until they are evenly coated.

Step 4

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 5

In a small saucepan, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1.5 tablespoons ketchup. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 6

In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Slowly add this slurry to the saucepan, whisking continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1–2 minutes, or until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 7

Add the crispy tofu to the saucepan and gently toss until the tofu is evenly coated in the glaze.

Step 8

Transfer the glazed tofu to a serving dish and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, if desired.

Step 9

Serve immediately as a main dish with rice or noodles, or as an appetizer. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(635.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	935.4

Total Fat 59.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 26.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3078.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 70.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.9g	0%
Total Sugars 35.5g
Protein 47.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 630.2mg	0%
Iron 6.8mg	0%
Potassium 769.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.4%

Protein: 18.8%

Carbs: 27.8%