Description
This Classic Marry Me Tofu is the ultimate easy dinner idea that turns simple ingredients into a bold, flavor-packed dish. Crispy golden tofu is coated in a rich garlic soy glaze with a touch of sweetness and spice, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or healthy food ideas. Whether you are looking for a plant-based dinner, easy recipe inspiration, or satisfying vegetarian dinner ideas, this dish delivers every time.
Ingredients
14 oz firm or extra-firm tofu
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp chili flakes
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp sliced green onions
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 red chili, sliced
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
Instructions
1. Press the tofu for 15 to 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into even cubes.
2. Toss the tofu with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the tofu for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crispy on all sides.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup or honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and sesame oil.
5. Pour the sauce into the pan with the tofu and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Stir together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water, then add it to the pan and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, sliced chili, and fresh mint before serving.
Notes
Press the tofu well before cooking so it crisps up instead of steaming in the pan.
Do not overcrowd the skillet or the tofu will not brown evenly.
Add the cornstarch slurry at the end and stir quickly so the sauce turns glossy without becoming lumpy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 286
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 768mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg