Crispy Ginger Garlic Tofu

Crispy ginger garlic tofu is a bold and flavorful protein dish that brings together golden, crispy tofu cubes with a rich, savory-sweet sauce. The combination of garlic, fresh ginger, and soy sauce creates an aromatic glaze with a hint of sweetness from maple syrup or honey. This dish is perfect as a protein-packed centerpiece for bowl meals, pairing wonderfully with grains, vegetables, and zesty sauces.

Fun fact: Tofu has been a dietary staple in East Asia for over 2,000 years. It is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the resulting curds into blocks, making it an excellent source of plant-based protein.

Learn more about tofu at Wikipedia

Ingredients

1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 tsp rice vinegar

Instructions

Cut pressed tofu into cubes and pat dry.
Toss tofu with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add tofu and cook until golden and crispy on all sides (about 8-10 minutes).
Push tofu to the side of the pan, then add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds.
Stir in soy sauce, maple syrup, and rice vinegar, tossing tofu to coat evenly.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.