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Irresistible Crispy Sticky Tofu Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 67 reviews

This Irresistible Crispy Sticky Tofu recipe delivers a perfect harmony of crunchy texture and bold, sweet-savory flavors with a sticky glaze. Featuring extra firm tofu cubes coated in cornstarch and pan-fried to golden crispness, then tossed in a luscious soy-maple sauce with ginger, garlic, and a hint of heat. Served over fluffy sushi-style rice with edamame and fresh avocado slices, this dish makes a satisfying and wholesome vegan meal that is both vibrant and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

For the tofu:

  • 14 oz extra firm tofu (I like House Foods for the best texture)
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch

For the sticky sauce:

  • 2/3 cup soy sauce (preferably Kikkoman Less Sodium)
  • 4 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

For the bowls:

  • 3 cups rice (Nishiki medium grain for sushi-style texture)
  • 2 cups edamame
  • 1 avocado, sliced

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and place it on a cutting board. Apply weight such as a cast iron skillet or canned goods on top and press for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture, which is essential for a crispy outer layer. After pressing, cut the tofu into about ¾ inch bite-sized cubes, handling gently to maintain their shape.
  2. Prepare the sticky sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. In a separate small dish, finely mince the garlic and ginger for maximum flavor, then add them along with red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture and stir well. Set this sauce aside to be used later on the crispy tofu.
  3. Cook rice and edamame: Begin cooking the rice according to package instructions early in the process as it will take the longest. Approximately 10 minutes before the rice finishes, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the edamame, and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain and set both rice and edamame aside until the tofu is done.
  4. Coat the tofu cubes: Place cornstarch in a shallow bowl or container. Working in batches, gently toss the pressed tofu cubes in the cornstarch to coat all sides evenly. This coating is key for getting the crispy texture once cooked.
  5. Fry the tofu: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom (about 2-3 tablespoons). When the oil shimmers, arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook each side undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip gently and repeat on all sides, allowing the tofu to sit between flips to develop a crispy crust. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Glaze the tofu with sticky sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Pour the prepared sticky sauce over the crispy tofu in the skillet and gently toss to coat. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, becomes glossy, and sticks to every tofu cube, signaling it’s ready.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each with the sticky glazed tofu, cooked edamame, and sliced avocado. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the bowls for extra flavor. Serve immediately while the tofu remains warm and crispy.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu thoroughly is essential to achieve crispiness – do not skip or shorten this step.
  • Using freshly minced garlic and ginger significantly enhances the flavor of the sauce compared to pre-made pastes.
  • Work in batches when frying tofu to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause sogginess instead of crispiness.
  • For a gluten-free version, choose tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Leftover crispy tofu can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
  • This dish is best served fresh as tofu crisps tend to soften over time.

Keywords: crispy tofu, sticky tofu, vegan tofu recipe, pan-fried tofu, soy maple sauce, easy tofu recipe, tofu bowls, Asian tofu dish

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/irresistible-crispy-sticky-tofu-recipe/