Name: Honey Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 14 ounces extra firm tofu; 1 tbsp corn starch; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; Cooking spray; 3/4 cup chicken broth; 1/3 cup honey (can add more if desired); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tsp garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp water

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, comforting, and totally satisfying, you’re going to love this Honey Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with tofu that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, all coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce. Whether you’re a longtime tofu fan or just looking to try something new and exciting, this recipe delivers big on taste and is surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s the kind of meal that feels both special and like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with around 15 medium-sized cubes of dark brown tofu coated in a shiny, thick, sticky sauce. The sauce gives the tofu a rich, glazed texture with a slightly uneven surface. Each cube is sprinkled generously with small white and black sesame seeds, adding contrast and texture. The tofu cubes are stacked closely together, creating a dense cluster in the bowl, which sits on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the glossiness of the sauce and the texture of the tofu. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each one adds its own magic—from the crispy tofu texture to the rich, flavorful sauce that brings everything together beautifully.

Extra firm tofu (14 ounces): Ideal for frying and holding up in the stir-fry without falling apart.
Corn starch (1 tbsp + ½ tbsp): Ensures that crispy outer layer on the tofu and thickens the sauce perfectly.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a savory punch even before the fresh garlic comes in.
Paprika (½ tsp): Lends a subtle smoky warmth to the tofu coating.
Onion powder (½ tsp): A gentle depth that rounds out the tofu seasoning.
Salt (½ tsp): Essential for bringing all the flavors forward.
Cooking spray: Helps you get that beautiful golden crispiness on the tofu.
Chicken broth (¾ cup): Forms the savory base of your honey garlic sauce—vegetarians can swap with vegetable broth.
Honey (⅓ cup): The star ingredient that gives this recipe its sweet, sticky charm.
Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Balances the sweetness with its salty umami depth.
Minced garlic (2 tsp): Fresh garlic brightens and intensifies the sauce flavor.
Ground ginger (½ tsp): Adds warmth and a subtle zing that pairs perfectly with garlic and honey.
Water (1 tbsp): Helps to dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth, luscious sauce.

How to Make Honey Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Tofu

First things first, get your tofu ready to soak up all those incredible flavors. Lay it on a thin, clean dishtowel and gently press to squeeze out as much moisture as you can. The drier your tofu, the crispier it gets in the air fryer, so don’t skip this step! Then, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes—perfect bite-sized pieces for maximum sauce coverage.

Step 2: Coat the Tofu

Place your tofu cubes in a large bowl or a resealable bag and toss them with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and salt until every piece is evenly coated. This dry seasoning mix is the secret to that irresistible crust and great flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Air Fry Until Crispy

Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Lay the tofu cubes in a single layer, then spray the tops with more cooking spray. Air fry at 360°F for 18 minutes total, shaking the basket after 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. The result? Tofu cubes that are golden, crispy, and absolutely delightful.

Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the tofu crisps up, combine chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to simmer and let those flavors marry together beautifully for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour this into the simmering sauce and continue simmering until it thickens into a glossy, sticky glaze—about 5 more minutes. This step transforms the sauce from simple to stunning.

Step 6: Toss Tofu in Sauce

Once your tofu is perfectly crispy and golden, toss it in half a cup of the honey garlic sauce to coat. This infuses each piece with fantastic flavor while keeping that satisfying crunch intact.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Arrange your saucy tofu on plates, drizzle with extra sauce if you like it saucy, and get ready to dig into one of the most delicious stir-fries you’ll ever make at home!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds a colorful meal with three layers: at the bottom is a bed of plain white rice, on the left side bright green broccoli florets with some parts slightly charred, and on the right side dark brown glazed tofu cubes sprinkled with white sesame seeds creating a glossy texture. A gold fork rests inside the bowl on the right side, partially under the tofu. Behind this bowl, a second white bowl with a similar meal is partially visible. Near the bowls, two small white dishes contain black sauce and sesame seeds mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes make a world of difference in brightening up this dish. Try sprinkling sesame seeds for a bit of nuttiness or chopped green onions for a crisp, fresh bite. Both add visual appeal and texture that pairs perfectly with the sticky sauce.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, serve this Honey Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up all that extra sauce. A side of stir-fried or steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers adds color and crunch, making everything feel vibrant and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take presentation up a notch, consider serving the tofu in individual lettuce wraps drizzled with sauce and topped with shredded carrots and fresh cilantro. Alternatively, serve over a bed of noodles tossed with a little sesame oil for a fun twist. These ideas make the dish feel fresh and exciting, perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tofu will remain tasty but might lose some crispiness, so keep that in mind if you’re planning ahead.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, too! Place the tofu and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that frozen tofu can sometimes have a different texture, but the flavors will stay lovely.

Reheating

To bring back a bit of that crispy texture, reheat the tofu in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. Just add a splash of water or broth and toss gently to prevent sticking. Heat the sauce separately or combine everything in the pan to warm through and enjoy all over again without sacrificing any flavor or deliciousness.

FAQs

Can I use vegetarian broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth works wonderfully in this recipe and keeps it completely plant-based without sacrificing flavor.

What’s the best type of tofu to use?

Extra firm tofu is the way to go because it holds its shape during cooking and crisps up nicely. Softer tofus tend to fall apart in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and be sure your broth is gluten-free as well.

Is air frying necessary or can I use a pan?

You can pan-fry the tofu in a non-stick skillet with a little oil if you don’t have an air fryer. Just cook on medium-high heat until all sides are golden and crisp.

How do I adjust the sweetness of the dish?

The honey amount can be easily increased or decreased according to your taste. Add a little more honey for a sweeter glaze or reduce it if you prefer something milder.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings together simplicity, comfort, and vibrant flavor in one dish. I hope you give it a try soon because once you taste crispy tofu glazed in this golden, garlicky, sweet sauce, it’s hard to go back. Trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for anytime you want a fast, delicious meal that feels homemade with love.