Hot Honey Crispy Tofu
Hot honey is all the craze right now – and as the tofu obsessed home chef that I am – I knew it was time to try this on some tofu. And this crispy hot honey tofu did not disappoint. You all love my other 20+ tofu recipes on the site, so I am almost positive you are going to LOVE this one too. If you follow a strict vegan diet, there are honey alternatives that I list below. You know I’m all about simple weeknight dinners, and this one adds to my list of quick, simple high protein recipes that goes great with rice and veggie of choice.
Have you had hot honey? I’ve seen it everywhere. Drizzled on pizzas, in meat dishes, on cheese boards, and more. But hot honey and tofu? I personally have NOT seen that one!
Now, I am aware that some who are vegan do not see honey as a “vegan” item. Therefore, I have provided some honey alternatives that – honestly – taste very similar to honey! So everyone can enjoy this dish from omnivores to vegetarians to vegans alike!
Hot Honey Tofu Ingredients
- Tofu: Make sure to use extra firm or super firm tofu for best texture
- A small amount of cornstarch will make it slightly crispy on the outside and absorb the sauce better
- Hot honey sauce:
- Honey or honey alternative: You can purchase a honey that is not made from bees. This is a great option for those who are vegan. You can find honey alternative like this one made from monk fruit. ChocZero also makes a vegan honey alternative. You could also consider agave or maple syrup, but I have not tested the recipe with this type of flavor.
- Melted vegan butter (can use either tub or stick version)
- Hot sauce: I love Louisiana style hot sauce but use any kind you enjoy.
- Rice vinegar: just a small amount to balance out the sweet and spicy
- Spices: garlic powder, chili powder, red pepper flakes (optional)
- A small amount of cornstarch and water to help the sauce thicken up over the stove.
How to Make Hot Honey Tofu
1. Air Fry Tofu
First, if you have not pressed your tofu make sure you do this for at least 20 minutes. Blot dry with a paper towel or dish cloth.
Cut your tofu into 1.5-2 inch cubes. Toss with 1 tbsp of cornstarch.
Air fry your tofu at 400° F for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until it is golden and crispy on the outside.
❓No air fryer? No worries! You can bake tofu at 400° F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
2. Whisk together hot honey sauce
While your tofu is cooking, whisk together your hot honey sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
🔥Love heat? Add a total of 2 tbsp hot sauce instead of 1.5 tbsp. You can always add more at the end too!
3. Combine sauce & tofu over stove
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add your cooked tofu and the hot honey sauce. Toss the tofu in the sauce until completely coated. Warm over the stove, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has caramelized on the tofu (see photo below for what it should like
➡️ Your sauce will seem very watery when you first pour it in the pan, but it will thicken up and caramelize on the tofu fairly quickly! If it’s not thickening, add in more cornstarch slurry (1 tsp of cornstarch in 1 tbsp of water)
4. Serve
Serve your tofu with a grain of choice (rice, quinoa, barley, etc) or noodles and a side of veggies (broccoli, peppers, asparagus, etc). Top with more red pepper flakes for more heat if desired. I love honey so I will finish off my plate with a little drizzle of honey!
Storage
Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
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Hot Honey Crispy Tofu
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Equipment
- tofu press
- Air Fryer
- Large saucepan
Ingredients
- 16 oz extra firm tofu pressed and drained
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Homemade Hot Honey Sauce
- 3 tbsp honey or honey alternative* see below
- 1 tbsp melted vegan butter
- 2 tbsp water
- 1.5 tbsp hot sauce of choice* add 2 tbsp if you like heat
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional for more heat
Instructions
- First, if you have not pressed your tofu make sure you do this for at least 20 minutes. Blot dry with a paper towel or dish cloth.Cut your tofu into 1.5-2 inch cubes. Toss with 1 tbsp of cornstarch.Air fry your tofu at 400° F for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until it is golden and crispy on the outside. No air fryer? No worries! Bake your tofu at 400° F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden to your liking.16 oz extra firm tofu, 1 tbsp cornstarch
- While your tofu is cooking, whisk together your hot honey sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp water, 1.5 tbsp hot sauce of choice*, 2 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp melted vegan butter
- Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add your cooked tofu and the hot honey sauce. Toss the tofu in the sauce until completely coated. Warm over the stove, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has caramelized on the tofu (see photo for what it should look like).
- Serve your tofu with a grain of choice (rice, quinoa, barley, etc) or noodles and a side of veggies (broccoli, peppers, asparagus, etc). Top with more red pepper flakes for more heat if desired. I love honey so I will finish off my plate with a little drizzle of honey!
Notes
- What is honey alternative? You can purchase a honey that is not made from bees. This is a great option for those who are vegan. You can find honey alternative like this one made from monk fruit. ChocZero also makes a vegan honey alternative. You could also consider agave or maple syrup, but I have not tested the recipe with this type of flavor.
- What type of hot sauce is best? This is really based on your personal preference. I love Louisiana hot sauce but there are so many options out there! If you love it really spicy consider getting a Habanero style hot sauce.
