Crispy Tofu with Garlic Sauce (without Deep-Frying)
User Reviews
5
Crispy Tofu with Garlic Sauce (without Deep-Frying)
Description
The recipe starts by pressing extra-firm tofu to expel water, then slicing it into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. These are seasoned with salt and baked on parchment paper at 400°F until golden and puffed, around 30 minutes. The baking achieves a crispy exterior without frying oil.
Meanwhile, a garlic sauce is prepared by whisking together soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch, then heating oil in a pan to quickly sauté minced garlic and white parts of green onions for aroma. The sauce mixture is added and simmered until thickened, then tossed with the crispy baked tofu. Garnishing with the green parts of chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds fresh contrast and texture. Sriracha can be served alongside for heat.
This dish is suitable as a main vegetarian entrée or protein side. The baking method is less oily but still delivers a firm, golden tofu surface. The garlic sauce balances savory, sweet, and fragrant elements, coating the tofu without sogginess. The tofu pieces can be incorporated into stir-fries or served with rice or noodles.
Using the white part of green onions for cooking maximizes flavor, while reserving green parts for garnish adds color. Thicker tofu cuts up to 3/4-inch take slightly longer to crisp but are acceptable. The baking time and temperature are important for crisp texture.
Ingredients
Crispy tofu
- 1 tofu 12-oz. / 340-g block, extra firm
- salt
Garlic sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 green onion chopped (*Footnote 1)
- sesame seeds toasted, optional, for garnish
- Sriracha sauce optional, for serving
Instructions
Crispy tofu
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 C). Line a baking tray with parchment.
- Press the water out of the tofu while heating up the oven. Carefully press the tofu with your hands. Slice the tofu into two even-thickness pieces. Wrap a few layers of cheesecloth (or kitchen paper towel) outside the tofu, and place a small tray with a heavy weight on top. The weight can be a jar of pickles or canned tomatoes.
- When the oven is heated, cut the tofu into 1/2-inch (1-cm) pieces. (*Footnote 2)
- Season both sides with salt. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the tofu turns golden and the surface puffs.
- Now you can use it in stir fries or serve the tofu with sauce.
Garlic sauce
- Prepare the garlic sauce while baking the tofu. Whisk the soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl until completely dissolved.
- Heat the oil in a small pan over a medium heat until hot. Add the garlic and green onions. Stir for 20 seconds to release the aroma.
- Stir the sauce again to make sure the cornstarch is dissolved. Pour into the pan. Stir constantly for 10 to 20 seconds, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Transfer immediately into a small bowl, so the sauce won’t overcook in the residual heat.
- When the tofu is baked, drizzle the sauce over the tofu. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if using.
- Serve immediately as a snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Use the white part of green onions in the sauce and save the green part to garnish the tofu before serving.
- Cutting the tofu into slightly larger pieces, up to 3/4-inch thick, requires about 35 to 40 minutes baking for crispness.
- Baking at 400°F on parchment paper helps achieve a golden, puffed texture without deep-frying.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 98 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1of the 4 servings | |
| Calories | 98kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 5.4g | 2% |
| Protein | 7.7g | 15% |
| Fat | 5.9g | 9% |
| Sodium | 463mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2.3g | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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