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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry) When making crispy honey garlic tofu nuggets, I always start with the freshest tofu. I prefer firm tofu because it holds its shape well. Pressing the tofu helps remove extra water. This step is key for achieving that perfect crispiness. For the coating, I mix cornstarch and all-purpose flour together. This blend creates a great crunch when fried. I also add garlic powder and onion powder for flavor. A pinch of paprika adds a nice touch of color. Salt and black pepper bring it all together. The honey garlic sauce is my favorite part. It combines sweet and savory flavors. I use honey and soy sauce as the base. Minced garlic and grated ginger add depth. Sesame oil gives it a rich taste, while rice vinegar adds a hint of tang. Finally, I thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry. This makes it stick perfectly to the nuggets. These ingredients come together to create a tasty and satisfying snack. You will love how each bite bursts with flavor! To start, you need to press the tofu. This step helps remove extra moisture. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Then, place a heavy object on top for about 30 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. This size helps the tofu cook evenly and makes it easy to eat. Next, you will make the coating. In a mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients: - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix these well until they are combined. This mixture will give your tofu a nice crunch. Now it’s time to fry the tofu. Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. The oil should reach about 350°F. Carefully add the coated tofu cubes in batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy. Once done, remove the nuggets and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. For the sauce, combine the following ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat: - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will blend all the flavors nicely. Once the sauce is simmering, it’s time to thicken it. Add a cornstarch slurry made from: - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water Whisk constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes. In a large bowl, add the crispy tofu nuggets. Pour the honey garlic sauce over them and toss gently to coat. Make sure each nugget is well covered in the sauce for maximum flavor. For a great presentation, serve the crispy nuggets on a bed of shredded lettuce. You can also garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This adds a pop of color and makes the dish even more inviting. Enjoy your meal! To get crispy tofu nuggets, pressing is key. Press the tofu to remove moisture. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel. Place something heavy on top, like a cast iron pan. Leave it for about 30 minutes. This helps the tofu get crispy. Next, oil temperature matters. Heat oil to about 350°F. Too cool, and the tofu absorbs oil. Too hot, and it burns quickly. Use a deep skillet for even frying. This ensures every side gets crispy. Want to spice it up? Try adding more flavor! You can mix in different spices. Smoked paprika adds a nice touch. Or, try a pinch of cayenne for heat. For garnishes, consider sesame seeds or green onions. They add color and a fresh taste. You can also drizzle extra honey on top for sweetness. These small touches make a big difference. The right pan is vital for frying. I recommend a heavy frying pan or a cast iron skillet. These retain heat well and cook evenly. For handling, use a slotted spoon or a spider strainer. These tools make it easy to lift the nuggets out of the oil. Plus, they help drain extra oil quickly. This keeps your nuggets crispy and not soggy. {{image_2}} If you want a vegan twist, you can swap out the honey. Consider using maple syrup or agave nectar. Both of these options give a sweet flavor without using honey. They work well in the honey garlic sauce. You can also use brown rice syrup. This syrup has a unique taste that pairs nicely with soy sauce. Want to switch up the flavors? You can add sauces like sriracha or chili paste for heat. A splash of lime juice brings a fresh twist. You can also sprinkle in spices like cumin or curry powder. For a crunchier texture, mix in finely chopped vegetables. Carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli work great in the nuggets. Just chop them small enough to mix well with the tofu. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Almond flour or chickpea flour are good choices. They add a nutty flavor that enhances the dish. You can stick with cornstarch for the coating. It gives that perfect crispy texture. If you want a lighter batter, try using a mix of cornstarch and potato starch. To keep your crispy honey garlic tofu nuggets fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture. This helps maintain their crunch. Refrigerate the container for up to three days. Avoid stacking the nuggets to prevent them from becoming soggy. To reheat the nuggets and keep them crispy, use the oven. Preheat it to 375°F. Spread the nuggets on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10 minutes. This method revives their crunch without making them greasy. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Freezing is a great option for future snacks. Allow the nuggets to cool completely first. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, place the nuggets in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best texture. No, soft tofu does not work well here. It is too delicate to hold shape. Firm tofu gives you that nice bite and crispiness. It also absorbs the sauce better. Stick to firm tofu for the best results. Add more spices to the coating. Try cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also mix hot sauce into the honey garlic sauce. Just a little can add great heat. Adjust to your taste level for an extra kick. You can use a variety of sauces. Sweet chili sauce adds a nice contrast. Soy sauce with a bit of lime juice works well too. For a creamy option, try ranch or a yogurt dip. These choices balance the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce. Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the coated tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. This gives you crispy nuggets with less oil. Just make sure to keep an eye on them. These nuggets last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. To keep them crispy, reheat them in an oven or air fryer. This way, they stay delicious and crunchy. In this blog post, we explored the process of making crispy honey garlic tofu nuggets. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips. You can achieve perfect crispy nuggets by following our guidelines. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and variations, like vegan options and gluten-free adaptations. With proper storage and reheating, you can savor these nuggets even days later. Dive into this tasty dish and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!

Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu Nuggets

Indulge in the irresistible taste of crispy honey garlic tofu nuggets! This easy recipe features perfectly fried tofu coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that will leave you craving more. Learn how to transform simple ingredients into a delicious, plant-based treat that’s perfect for snacking or as a main dish. Click through for the full recipe and impress your friends with this delightful dish!
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Ingredients
  

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

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

1/4 cup honey

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for about 30 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

    Make the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

      Coat the Tofu: Toss each tofu cube in the dry mixture until thoroughly coated. Shake off any excess flour.

        Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat until hot (around 350°F).

          Fry the Tofu: Carefully add the coated tofu cubes in batches to the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the nuggets and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

            Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

              Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch slurry and whisk constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

                Coat the Nuggets: In a large bowl, add the crispy tofu nuggets and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat evenly.

                  Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the glazed nuggets to a serving dish.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy nuggets on a bed of shredded lettuce or garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color.