Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

Name: Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 400g firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds for garnish

Highlighted under: Rapid Recipes

I love making Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry when I want something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. This dish is a delightful balance of sweet and savory, and it comes together in just a few minutes. The crispy tofu coated in a rich honey garlic sauce pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables. Whether I’m serving it for family or guests, it never fails to impress. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner, as it’s easy to customize with whatever veggies I have on hand.

Created by

Jocelyn Parker

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:45:35.776Z

When I first tried making Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry, I was blown away by how flavorful the sauce became with just a few ingredients. It’s incredible to see the transformation as the tofu caramelizes in the honey and garlic, turning golden brown and crunchy while absorbing that delightful sweetness. I learned to let the tofu brown a bit longer for that irresistible texture.

One tip I discovered is to use firm tofu and press it before cooking to remove excess moisture. This ensures that the tofu gets crispy instead of soggy. You can also swap in different vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand, making this dish versatile and always exciting!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful combination of sweet honey and savory garlic
Quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners
Crispy tofu that soaks up all the flavors beautifully

Mastering Tofu Texture

The secret to the perfect crispy tofu lies in proper pressing and cooking. Pressing removes excess moisture, allowing the tofu to brown beautifully and absorb flavors effectively. I recommend using a tofu press or wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes. When frying, ensure your oil is hot enough; a good test is to drop a small piece of tofu in the pan—if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to go.

For even better results, consider marinating the tofu before cooking. A simple marinade of soy sauce and a pinch of cornstarch can enhance flavor and create an even crispier exterior. Let it sit for about 15-30 minutes to maximize the taste, and you'll notice a significant difference in the overall experience of your Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry.

Balancing Sweet and Savory

The balance between the honey and soy sauce is crucial in this dish. Honey provides a sweet richness that contrasts beautifully with the umami notes from the soy sauce. Adjust the proportions based on your personal preference; if you prefer a more pronounced sweetness, add an extra teaspoon of honey. Conversely, if you want it saltier and deeply savory, a splash more soy sauce can do the trick.

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, agave syrup can be an excellent substitute for honey. It has a similar sweetness level and will blend seamlessly into your sauce. Just keep in mind that it might impart a slightly different flavor, but the overall impact on your stir fry will still be delicious.

Vegetable Variations

One of the joys of a stir fry is its versatility with vegetables. While this recipe calls for bell peppers and broccoli, you can easily swap them for whatever is in your fridge. Snap peas, bok choy, or carrots can also add color and crunch. Just be mindful of the cooking times; softer vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms might need less time than broccoli to avoid becoming mushy.

If you're utilizing frozen vegetables, remember to thaw and pat them dry before adding them to the pan. This step prevents excess moisture from watering down your sauce, ensuring that the final dish remains flavorful and vibrant.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process:

Ingredients

400g firm tofu, pressed and cubed
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds for garnish

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry:

Cook Tofu

In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.

Prepare Sauce

In the same pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey and soy sauce, allowing it to simmer for a couple of minutes.

Stir Fry Vegetables

Add the mixed bell peppers and broccoli florets to the pan, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Combine

Return the tofu to the pan, stirring everything together gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let it cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.

Serve

Serve your Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds. Enjoy it alone or over rice!

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

Pressing the tofu is essential for achieving that perfect crispiness. Don't skip this step!

Storage Tips

Leftover Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When storing, it’s best to keep the proteins and vegetables together but separate from rice to maintain their textures. This way, reheating won’t leave your rice soggy or your tofu overly soft.

For reheating, I recommend using a skillet rather than the microwave. Heat over medium for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. This method will help retain the tofu's crispy edges while revitalizing the sauce’s glossy richness.

Scaling Up or Down

Scaling this recipe is straightforward! If you want to prepare a larger batch, simply double or triple the ingredients, especially the sauce. The cooking method remains the same, but you may want to use a bigger pan or batch cook your tofu in stages to achieve that perfect browning without crowding the pan.

On the flip side, if you're looking to make fewer servings, you can halve the recipe without any issues. Just ensure to adjust the cooking times slightly, especially for the vegetable stir fry, as cooking smaller amounts can cook faster. Always taste and adjust accordingly!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of protein instead of tofu?

Yes, you can substitute chicken or shrimp if you prefer.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Feel free to add more or less honey according to your taste.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly as long as you use plant-based ingredients.

→ What vegetables can I add to this stir fry?

You can add any of your favorites, such as carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms.