Crispy Spicy Honey Tofu Slaw (Printable)
Golden crispy tofu glazed in sweet spicy honey sauce over fresh tangy sesame slaw with vibrant vegetables.
# List of ingredients:
→ For the Crispy Tofu
01 - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
02 - 3 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
→ For the Spicy Honey Sauce
06 - 3 tablespoons honey
07 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
08 - 1 tablespoon sriracha
09 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
→ For the Sesame Slaw
13 - 2 cups shredded red cabbage
14 - 1 cup shredded carrots
15 - 1 cup snow peas, thinly sliced
16 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
17 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
18 - 1/4 cup rice vinegar
19 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
20 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
21 - 1 tablespoon honey
22 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ For Serving
23 - Fresh cilantro or mint leaves
24 - Extra sesame seeds
25 - Lime wedges
# Steps:
01 - Pat the cubed tofu dry thoroughly with paper towels. In a bowl, toss tofu with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated on all sides.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until all sides are golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
03 - Combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
04 - Gently toss the crispy fried tofu in the spicy honey sauce until well coated. Set aside while preparing the slaw.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and salt until fully combined.
06 - In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, snow peas, spring onions, and sesame seeds. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat evenly.
07 - Divide the sesame slaw among serving plates. Top with the crispy spicy honey tofu. Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves, extra sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The tofu gets impossibly crispy while staying tender inside, then that spicy honey glaze creates this perfect sticky coating that makes you want to lick your fingers
- That sesame slaw cuts right through the richness with its tangy crunch and somehow makes the whole plate feel lighter than it actually is
02 -
- Do not skip pressing the tofu because I have tried cutting corners and the texture difference between pressed and unpressed is honestly night and day
- Let that sauce cool for just a minute before tossing the tofu because piping hot sauce can make the cornstarch coating get a little gummy
03 -
- Crowding the pan while frying tofu makes it steam instead of crisp, so work in batches if your skillet is not big enough
- Let the glaze sauce simmer for the full 3 minutes because that extra time helps it develop this sticky consistency that really clings to the tofu