If you’ve ever wished for a tofu dish that bursts with bold flavors and has the perfect crunchy bite, look no further than this Honey Sriracha Crispy Tofu Recipe. It’s a vibrant dance of sweet honey and fiery sriracha, perfectly balanced by a crispy exterior that makes every mouthful utterly addictive. This recipe promises a deliciously satisfying dish that both tofu lovers and skeptics can get excited about, bringing zing and comfort together in one unforgettable bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Honey Sriracha Crispy Tofu Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role — from creating crispy tofu cubes to adding layers of flavor that excite your taste buds.
- 14 oz. extra firm tofu: The sturdy base that crisps up beautifully and holds all those luscious flavors.
- 2 Tbsp sriracha: Adds a spicy kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- 2 Tbsp honey: Brings a touch of natural sweetness to balance the heat.
- 2 tsp soy sauce, divided: Infuses a savory depth and umami richness.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper: Extra heat for those who crave a little more fire.
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil: Essential for getting that golden, crispy coating on the tofu.
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch: The secret to creating an irresistibly crunchy crust.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh, mild, and colorful garnish to finish the dish perfectly.
How to Make Honey Sriracha Crispy Tofu Recipe
Step 1: Press the tofu
Start by pressing your extra firm tofu for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step is key because drier tofu crisps up way better when cooked. Use a tofu press if you have one, or simply place the tofu block on a plate, cover it with a flat surface, and weigh it down with something heavy. Patience here pays off with perfectly crispy cubes.
Step 2: Prepare the honey sriracha sauce
While the tofu takes its sweet time pressing, whip up the star sauce in a small bowl by mixing sriracha, honey, one teaspoon of soy sauce, and crushed red pepper. This sweet and spicy blend will coat the tofu with vibrant flavor later on.
Step 3: Cut and dry the tofu
After pressing, cut the tofu into half-inch cubes. Use a paper towel to gently pat each piece dry to ensure a crisp exterior once cooked.
Step 4: Coat the tofu in oil and soy sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the cooking oil and the remaining soy sauce. Toss the tofu cubes in this mixture until each piece is lightly coated. This simple step ensures the tofu fries up to a rich, golden brown texture.
Step 5: Add cornstarch
Sprinkle one teaspoon of cornstarch over the tofu, stirring gently to combine. Repeat this two more times to reach a total of one tablespoon of cornstarch. This layer creates a delicate, crispy shell that will make you fall in love with tofu all over again.
Step 6: Fry the tofu
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium. Once hot, add the tofu cubes — they will crisp up in the oil already coating them. Keep the tofu moving only occasionally so all sides turn a beautiful golden brown over about 10 minutes.
Step 7: Glaze with honey sriracha sauce
Pour your homemade honey sriracha sauce over the crispy tofu and continue to cook, stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze thickens and sticks deliciously to each cube, locking in that sweet heat yumminess.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Top the glazed tofu with fresh sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh bite, then dig in. The crunch, the heat, the subtle sweetness — it all sings together in this Honey Sriracha Crispy Tofu Recipe!
How to Serve Honey Sriracha Crispy Tofu Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness elevates this dish, so think beyond green onions. Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or a few thin slices of cucumber can provide a refreshing contrast that balances the richness and spice beautifully.
Side Dishes
This crispy tofu pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or warm quinoa to soak up every last drop of the glaze. Stir-fried veggies, steamed broccoli, or a crunchy salad can make the meal more vibrant and nutritious, turning it into a well-rounded feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just switch things up, serve this tofu over a bed of noodles tossed in sesame oil and scallions. Or layer it in a fresh vegetable wrap with creamy avocado for a handheld delight full of texture and flavor — perfect for lunch or casual dinners!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover honey sriracha crispy tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick meals during a busy week.
Freezing
While tofu can be frozen, the crispy texture doesn’t always survive freezing and thawing well. If you want to freeze leftovers, place the tofu in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Reheat and finish with a quick pan-fry to restore some crispiness.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible crunch, reheat tofu in a non-stick skillet over medium heat rather than microwaving. This will refresh the crisp coating while warming through the flavorful glaze perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tofu for this Honey Sriracha Crispy Tofu Recipe?
Extra firm tofu is best for this recipe because it holds its shape and crisps up nicely. Silken or soft tofu tends to fall apart and won’t give you that satisfying crunch.
Is there a vegan alternative to honey in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the sweetness while making the dish completely vegan-friendly without compromising flavor.
How spicy is this Honey Sriracha Crispy Tofu Recipe?
The spice level is moderate with the sriracha and crushed red pepper, but it can be adjusted to your liking by adding more or less sriracha or skipping the crushed red pepper altogether.
Can I bake the tofu instead of frying it?
Yes, baking is a great option for a lighter version. Coat the tofu with oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy. Toss with the honey sriracha sauce at the end.
What can I do with the leftover honey sriracha sauce?
That sauce is a gem! Use it as a dip for veggies or spring rolls, drizzle it over rice bowls or roasted veggies, or mix it into a marinade for grilled meats or plant-based proteins.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Sriracha Crispy Tofu Recipe is a game-changer if you’re looking to elevate humble tofu into a crave-worthy main event. With its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen too. So grab that block of tofu and give this recipe a go — I promise it’s a delicious adventure worth taking!
PrintHoney Sriracha Crispy Tofu Recipe
This Honey Sriracha Tofu is a deliciously crispy and sticky dish that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors. Made with extra firm tofu coated in a honey and sriracha glaze, this recipe comes together with simple ingredients and stovetop frying for a quick, satisfying meal that’s great for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Tofu Preparation
- 14 oz. extra firm tofu
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 2 tsp soy sauce, divided
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 green onions, sliced
Honey Sriracha Sauce
- 2 Tbsp sriracha
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Press the Tofu: Press the tofu for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Use a tofu press or place the block on a tray, top with a flat object like a cutting board, and add a heavy weight on top. After 30 minutes, pour off the extra liquid to ensure tofu crisps nicely during cooking.
- Prepare the Honey Sriracha Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together sriracha, honey, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and crushed red pepper. Set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cut and Dry the Tofu: Slice the pressed tofu into ½-inch cubes. Gently pat the cubes dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture, which helps achieve crispiness.
- Coat the Tofu: In a large bowl, combine the cooking oil and remaining 1 teaspoon soy sauce, whisk lightly to blend. Add the tofu cubes and gently stir until coated evenly.
- Add Cornstarch: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cornstarch over the tofu cubes, stir gently. Repeat twice more until all 1 tablespoon cornstarch is incorporated, creating a light coating to enhance crispiness.
- Fry the Tofu: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the tofu cubes and fry in the oil coating, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10 minutes until tofu is browned and crispy on all sides.
- Glaze the Tofu: Pour the prepared honey sriracha sauce over the tofu, stir to coat evenly, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes sticky.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions on top before serving to add a fresh, flavorful touch.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu thoroughly is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha and crushed red pepper to control the spice level.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and ease frying.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
