Description
Crispy pan-fried garlic tofu with soy lime sauce brings bold Asian-inspired flavors to home kitchens. Delicate tofu cubes absorb zesty marinade, creating a memorable meal packed with umami and tangy notes you will crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block extra firm tofu, pressed & drained well
- 5 tbsps (75 mL) soy sauce, or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option
- ¼ cup (60 mL) light brown sugar
- 3 large cloves garlic, grated
- 1 lime, zest and juice
- 2 tsps (10 mL) Sambal Oelek, or substitute Sriracha
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) toasted sesame oil
- ¼ cup (60 mL) water, or low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) cornstarch
- Vegetable oil, for cooking
- 1 to 2 green onions, sliced on the diagonal
- ½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) toasted white sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Whisk lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, and honey in a mixing bowl, creating a complex flavor profile that will infuse the tofu with vibrant notes.
- Tofu Marination: Cube tofu into precise, uniform pieces and immerse in half the prepared marinade, allowing the protein to absorb the intricate flavors for 20-30 minutes.
- Coating and Crisping: Dust marinated tofu with cornstarch, ensuring an even, light coating that will transform into a golden, crispy exterior when heated.
- Searing Technique: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium flame, adding a thin layer of vegetable oil to create the perfect environment for caramelization and prevent sticking.
- Tofu Transformation: Arrange cornstarch-coated tofu in the heated pan, allowing each piece to develop a rich, golden-brown crust by rotating every 2-3 minutes for even coloration.
- Sauce Development: Simultaneously, simmer the reserved marinade in a separate saucepan to concentrate flavors, then create a glossy, thickened sauce by blending cornstarch with a portion of the reduced liquid.
- Final Assembly: Gently fold the crispy tofu into the refined sauce, ensuring each piece is luxuriously glazed, then transfer to a serving platter adorned with freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Serving Suggestion: Present alongside fragrant jasmine rice to complete this harmonious, flavor-packed culinary experience.
Notes
- Marinate Strategically: Allow tofu to soak in marinade for 20-30 minutes, enabling deep flavor penetration and enhanced taste profile.
- Cornstarch Coating Tips: Evenly dust tofu with cornstarch to create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and provides delightful texture.
- Saucing Technique: Reduce marinade separately and create a glossy cornstarch slurry to develop a rich, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each tofu piece.
- Serving Suggestion: Elevate the dish with fresh green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds for added visual appeal and complementary flavor bursts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg