Dinner

Easy Honey Garlic Tofu with Soy Sauce & Butter Recipe

BySimon Carel October 31, 2025October 31, 2025

Introduction

This Easy Honey Garlic Tofu is a flavorful and satisfying plant-based dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory notes of soy sauce and butter. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, it’s perfect served with fluffy rice for a quick weeknight meal.

The image shows a bowl with two main layers: on the left side, fluffy white rice sprinkled with small black sesame seeds; on the right side, five slices of golden-brown cooked chicken arranged neatly, topped with thinly sliced green scallions. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with white flowers and wooden elements slightly visible in the background. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the textures and colors of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 block of firm tofu (280g)
1 tbsp soy sauce (for the marinade)
3 tbsp corn flour
2 tsp salt
2 tsp pepper
3 tbsp vegetable oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp butter

Instructions

Step 1: Press your tofu to remove excess moisture, then pat it dry. Cut the tofu into approximately 2cm thick slices or cubes, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Place the tofu in a container and pour over 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (add a splash of sesame oil if you like). Let it marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: On a plate, combine the corn flour, salt, and pepper. Press each tofu piece into the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the tofu slices for about 3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Then add 3 tablespoons soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, and butter. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Return the tofu to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, making sure each piece is coated well with the honey garlic sauce.
Step 7: Remove the tofu from the pan and slice it into strips if not already sliced. Serve immediately with fluffy white rice and garnish with thinly sliced spring onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

Press the tofu well to ensure it crisps up nicely and absorbs the marinade better.
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick in the sauce.
Use extra-firm tofu for even better texture.
Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover honey garlic tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a non-stick pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The tofu may lose some crispness after reheating.