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soy tofu recipe in a bowl

Soy Garlic Tofu

This soy tofu (soy garlic tofu) recipe is like a vegan version of General Tsao chicken. Better than take out, it comes together in 30 minutes or less. Pair it with my quinoa rice recipe or rice/noodles with side greens like boy choy and you have a balanced plant based meal perfect for a busy weeknight!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, lunch
Cuisine Asian, Chinese, vegan
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 1 Large frying pan
  • 1 Kitchen tongs or spatula for flipping tofu

Ingredients
  

For the tofu

  • 1 block (400 g / 14 oz) extra firm tofu
  • 3 Tbsp (45 g) cornstarch
  • 2 tsp (10 g) paprika powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp (45 ml) cooking oil

For the glaze

  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) cooking oil
  • 1 tsp (5 g) grated ginger
  • 4 Tbsp (60 ml) low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) dark soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup or brown sugar

For the topping

  • 2 green onions chopped
  • Sesame seeds optional

Instructions
 

To make crispy tofu

  • Slice tofu into bite sized cubes. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix together cornstarch, paprika powder and black pepper. Add tofu cubes and mix together carefully to completely coat.
  • Add cooking oil to frying pan on medium high heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. You want the oil to be hot enough so the tofu pieces will get crispy. Test the temperature of the oil by adding in one of the tofu pieces. If bubbles start to form around it, it's hot enough for the rest of the tofu to be added.
  • Fry the tofu for 3-5 minutes per side, flipping in between until it's golden brown and crispy. Remove tofu from pan and put on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

To make the glaze

  • Reduce heat to medium and add remaining oil. Add the ginger and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • In a small bowl, mix together soy sauces, rice vinegar and maple syrup (or brown sugar). Pour into pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened and reduced.
  • Add tofu pieces and mix to combine. To maintain crispiness of tofu, add the tofu to the glaze right before serving because the tofu will lose its crispiness the longer it stays in the glaze.
  • Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (optional).

Video

Notes

Serve with rice or noodles. A side of bok choy and my quinoa rice recipe is perfect!
Keyword garlic, soy, tofu