5.0 from 24 votes
Sticky Tofu
In this easy Sticky Tofu recipe, tofu is coated with Chinese 5 spice, sauteed until crispy, then coated in an Asian-inspired sticky sauce.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 426 kcal
Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
Asian
Ingredients
- 14 ounces (400g) firm tofu pressed to remove excess moisture
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Chinese 5 spice
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or regular oil)
- 3 tablespoons honey (or vegan honey, agave or maple syrup for vegan)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon dried chili flakes
To serve:
- rice
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
- Pinch of dried chili flakes
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, cut the tofu into cubes, then gently toss in a bowl with the cornstarch and Chinese 5 spice mixed together.
- Heat half the oil to a large sautee pan over a medium heat, then add the tofu. Cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes, then flip each tofu cube and fry for a few more minutes on the other side until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil, honey, soy sauce to the pan and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, then stir in the garlic and chili flakes and cook for a further minute.
- Toss the tofu in the sauce, then serve over rice, topped with the chopped scallions, sesame seeds and chili flakes.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- The best way to press tofu is to use a tofu press or a heavy kitchen object like a cast iron skillet. This will help remove as much water as possible from the tofu so it can better absorb the flavors of the sticky sauce.
- Be sure to coat the tofu in cornstarch before cooking. This will give it a crispy outer layer that pairs perfectly with the sticky sauce.
- If you don't have Chinese five spice powder, you can use a combination of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, and star anise. Or, simply omit it from the recipe.
- Do not let the pan become too hot as the tofu can stick to the bottom of the pan, cook over medium heat instead.
- Add the sticky sauce ingredients to the pan in the order listed for best results. This will allow each ingredient to cook and blend together properly.
Nutrition Information
Calories
426kcal
(21%)
Carbohydrates
38g
(13%)
Protein
20g
(40%)
Fat
23g
(35%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
11g
Monounsaturated Fat
8g
Sodium
1016mg
(42%)
Potassium
102mg
(3%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
27g
(54%)
Vitamin A
7IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
275mg
(28%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 426
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 426kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11g | 65% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Sodium | 1016mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 102mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 27g | 54% |
| Vitamin A | 7IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 275mg | 28% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.