Honey Garlic Tofu Nuggets

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup honey (or agave syrup for vegan option) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish I love using firm tofu for this recipe. It holds its shape well and has a nice texture. Pressing the tofu helps remove excess water, making it crispier. Cornstarch is key for that golden crunch. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth to the flavor. You can easily make this dish vegan by swapping honey for agave syrup. This change keeps the sweetness while staying plant-based. If you want a different flavor, try maple syrup instead. Garnishing makes the dish pop! I like to use chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It adds color and crunch. Serve the nuggets on a platter with a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping. This makes for a fun and interactive meal! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for making crispy tofu. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking. Take your pressed and cubed tofu and place it in a medium bowl. Add 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything until the tofu is evenly coated. This coating gives the tofu a nice crunch. While the tofu bakes, let’s make the honey garlic sauce. In a saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of honey (or agave syrup), 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir it all together. Heat the saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This thickens the sauce just right for coating your nuggets. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside. Next, once your tofu is golden and crispy, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the tofu and toss gently. Return the coated nuggets to the baking sheet and bake for an extra 5 minutes. This caramelizes the sauce and makes it extra tasty. Let the nuggets cool slightly before serving, and enjoy your delicious dish! To get crispy tofu, start with firm tofu. Press it well to remove extra water. This step makes a big difference. Next, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch. This coating gives a nice crunch when baked. Bake the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Flip halfway to ensure even crisping. You want a golden color on all sides. One common mistake is not pressing the tofu enough. If it’s too wet, it won't crisp up. Another mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. Leave space between the cubes. This allows hot air to circulate. Lastly, don’t skip the baking step after adding the sauce. That final bake helps the sauce stick and caramelize. To boost the flavor, try adding spices. A pinch of cayenne can add heat. You can also mix in some chopped herbs like cilantro or basil. For a tangy twist, add lime juice to the sauce. If you like a smokier taste, use smoked soy sauce. These little changes can make your nuggets even tastier. {{image_2}} To add heat to your honey garlic tofu nuggets, mix in some chili flakes or sriracha. You can start with 1 teaspoon of chili flakes and adjust to your taste. This gives a nice kick to the sweet sauce. You can also add chopped fresh chili when you cook the sauce. The spice balances the sweetness of the honey and creates a bold flavor. To make these nuggets gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a great swap and tastes just as good. Be sure to check your cornstarch as well. Most brands are gluten-free, but it’s always smart to read the label. This way, you can enjoy the dish without any gluten worries. If you want to change the sweetener, consider using maple syrup or agave syrup. Both options work well in this recipe. Maple syrup gives a unique flavor that pairs nicely with garlic. Agave syrup is a good choice for vegans. It keeps the sweetness but is plant-based. Adjust the amount to fit your taste; start with the same amount as honey. After you enjoy your meal, you can store the tofu nuggets. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure they cool down before storing. This helps them stay crispy longer. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tofu nuggets on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they might get soft. If you want to save some nuggets for later, freezing works well. First, let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to cook them, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To make honey garlic tofu nuggets gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free option with a similar taste. Always check labels for hidden gluten in sauces. Using cornstarch is already gluten-free, so stick with that for the coating. Yes, you can use different types of tofu. Firm tofu gives a nice texture. You could also try extra-firm tofu for crunchier bites. Silken tofu is too soft for nuggets, but great in sauces. Adjust cooking time if you change tofu types. The best dipping sauces include sweet chili sauce and peanut sauce. Both add a tasty twist. Soy sauce mixed with lime juice also works well. You can try a spicy sriracha sauce for heat. Experiment with your favorites to find the best combo. - How long do leftovers last? Leftovers last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for the best taste. Microwaving is quick but may make them soggy. - Can I bake the tofu instead of frying it? Yes, baking is a great option! Bake the tofu to make it healthier. Follow the recipe's baking instructions for a crispy result. Baking keeps the nuggets light and allows the flavors to shine. In this post, we explored making honey garlic tofu nuggets. We covered main ingredients and options for vegan substitutes. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation, coating, and baking. You learned tips for crispy tofu and mistakes to avoid. We discussed exciting variations, storage advice, and answered common questions. These nuggets are easy to customize and fun to make. I hope you enjoy trying these tasty recipes!$

Discover the deliciousness of honey garlic tofu nuggets that are perfect for any meal! This simple recipe combines crispy, baked tofu with a savory honey garlic sauce that's sure to satisfy your cravings. In just an hour, you can create a dish that's healthy and packed with flavor. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this easy and tasty treat!

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Ingredients

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup honey (or agave syrup for vegan option)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

While the tofu is baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Once tofu nuggets are crispy, transfer them to a mixing bowl and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat all nuggets evenly.

Return the coated tofu nuggets to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the honey garlic tofu nuggets on a platter, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added color and texture. Add a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping.