Crispy Sticky Tofu Recipe

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a delicious snack or side dish. This crispy sticky tofu recipe features a sweet and savory glaze that perfectly complements the crispy texture of the tofu. Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients

• 300g (11 oz) extra-firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• ½ tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating)
• 3-4 tablespoons oil (for frying)
• 3 tablespoons water
• Sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Press the Tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain any excess liquid. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and place a heavy object on top to press out moisture. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes.Cut the Tofu: After pressing, slice the tofu into cubes or triangles, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the sweet soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated garlic, red pepper flakes, and water. Mix well to create a marinade.

Step 3: Coat the Tofu

Place the pressed tofu pieces in a bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss gently to coat all sides evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Tofu

1. Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the coated tofu pieces in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Once the tofu is crispy, pour the marinade over it in the pan. The marinade will bubble quickly; use a spatula to turn the tofu pieces so they are coated on all sides.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.
2. Enjoy your crispy sticky tofu as an appetizer, snack, or as part of a main dish with rice and vegetables!

Tips for Perfect Crispy Tofu

• Pressing is Key: Make sure to press out as much moisture as possible from the tofu to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.

This crispy sticky tofu recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it an excellent addition to any meal or enjoyed on its own!

Creative Marinades for Tofu Snacks

Tofu is incredibly versatile and can absorb a variety of flavors through marinades. Here are some creative marinade ideas to enhance your tofu snacks:

1. Teriyaki Marinade: Combine soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic for a sweet and savory flavor. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Spicy Sriracha Marinade: Mix sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup for a spicy and tangy kick. Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference.
3. Curry Coconut Marinade: Blend coconut milk with curry powder, turmeric, and garlic for a creamy, aromatic marinade that pairs well with grilled or baked tofu.
4. BBQ Marinade: Use your favorite barbecue sauce or mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika for a smoky-sweet flavor.
5. Lemon Herb Marinade: Combine lemon juice, olive oil, fresh herbs (like thyme and rosemary), garlic, and salt for a refreshing and zesty option.

Making Tofu Snacks Without Using Oil

You can achieve delicious tofu snacks without using oil by baking or air-frying:

Baked Tofu:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes.
• Toss the tofu with soy sauce, cornstarch, and any desired seasonings (like garlic powder or nutritional yeast).
• Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy.

Air-Fried Tofu:

• Similar to baking, press and cube the tofu. Toss it with your marinade or seasonings.
• Place in an air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.

Creative Ways to Season Tofu for a Snack

Beyond marinades, here are some creative seasoning ideas to enhance your tofu snacks:

1. Smoky Paprika: Toss tofu with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a smoky flavor profile.
2. Herbes de Provence: Use this French herb blend to give your tofu a fragrant twist.
3. Nutritional Yeast: Sprinkle nutritional yeast on tofu before baking for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
4. Cajun Spice Mix: Coat tofu with Cajun seasoning for a spicy Southern flair.
5. Lemon Zest & Dill: For a fresh taste, use lemon zest and dried dill to season your tofu.

Using Different Types of Protein Instead of Tofu

If you’re looking for alternatives to tofu in your snacks, consider these options:

1. Tempeh: A fermented soy product that has a nutty flavor and firm texture; it can be marinated similarly to tofu.
2. Seitan: Made from wheat gluten, seitan has a chewy texture that mimics meat; it absorbs flavors well when marinated.
3. Chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas make a crunchy snack; toss them with spices before roasting.
4. Lentils: Cooked lentils can be seasoned and used as filling in wraps or salads.
5. Jackfruit: Young green jackfruit can be shredded and seasoned to mimic pulled pork or chicken.

Popular Dips to Serve with Tofu Snacks

Dipping sauces can elevate your tofu snacks significantly. Here are some popular options:

1. Peanut Sauce: A creamy blend of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic makes a delicious dip.
2. Sweet Chili Sauce: This sweet and spicy sauce pairs perfectly with crispy tofu bites.
3. Soy Sauce with Sesame Oil: A simple mix of soy sauce and sesame oil provides umami flavor.
4. Vegan Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dip made from cashews or plant-based yogurt is great for cooling down spicy snacks.
5. Sriracha Mayo: Mix vegan mayo with sriracha for a spicy dipping sauce that complements crispy tofu.

These ideas will help you create delicious and varied tofu snacks that are sure to please any palate! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures!