Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

Name: Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 cup bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup snap peas; 3 green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Highlighted under: Tastes of the Globe

I've always found stir-fries to be one of the most satisfying meals to prepare, especially when they come together in just under 30 minutes. This Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry is a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. The crispy tofu, coated in a rich honey garlic sauce, pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables. I love how quick it is to make, yet the flavors feel complex—perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering.

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:36:37.547Z

When I first attempted this Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry, I was looking for a quick dish that didn’t sacrifice flavor. The combination of honey and garlic creates a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the crispy tofu. I discovered that pressing the tofu before cooking helps it absorb flavors better, making every bite more delicious.

While preparing the stir-fry, I added some colorful bell peppers and snap peas for a crunchy texture and vibrant presentation. Stir-frying on high heat allows the veggies to retain their crunch, giving each bite a delightful contrast to the soft tofu. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory flavor explosion with every bite.
Quick preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights.
Crispy tofu that perfectly holds and absorbs the sauce.

Crispy Tofu Techniques

Achieving crispy tofu can make all the difference in this stir fry. Pressing the tofu prior to cooking is essential. This process expels excess moisture, allowing the tofu to brown nicely in the skillet. Be sure to use firm tofu, which has a denser structure that holds up better during frying. Tossing the cubed tofu in cornstarch before cooking not only aids in browning but also helps the honey garlic sauce adhere better once everything is combined.

To get a perfectly golden brown exterior, ensure your skillet is well-heated with the vegetable oil shimmering but not smoking. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes on medium-high heat. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; fry in batches if necessary. If you notice sticking, gently scrape the tofu with a spatula before flipping, which helps maintain the crispy texture without tearing.

Flavorful Vegetable Selection

The blend of vegetables in this stir fry not only adds color but also a variety of textures. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch, while snap peas contribute a tender yet crisp bite. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like broccoli florets or carrots, which can add even more flavor and nutrition. Just ensure that any substitutions have similar cooking times to maintain the perfect tenderness while still offering that vibrant crunch.

When stir-frying vegetables, a quick cooking time is key. This method ensures they retain their bright colors and nutrients. Aim for about 2-3 minutes, cooking until they are glossy and just tender-crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as vegetables that lose their crunch and color may not yield the vibrant contrast that makes the dish appealing.

Serving Suggestions

This Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry can be served over a variety of bases. While steaming white rice is traditional, consider brown rice for added fiber or quinoa for a protein boost. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice or microwaveable options can streamline meal prep without sacrificing flavor. I often pair mine with a drizzle of sesame oil for that extra depth of flavor and a few toasted sesame seeds for garnish.

For a refreshing touch, try adding a squeeze of lime over the dish just before serving. This brightens up the complex flavors of the honey garlic sauce. To personalize portion sizes or meal prep, double or halve the recipe as needed, keeping in mind that cooking times for the tofu and veggies may slightly vary based on batch size.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry:

For the Stir Fry

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup bell peppers, sliced
1 cup snap peas
3 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated ginger

Ensure everything is ready before you start, as stir-frying goes quickly!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your delicious Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry:

Prepare the Tofu

Press the tofu for about 15 minutes to remove excess water. Once pressed, cut it into cubes and toss them in cornstarch.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Set it aside.

Cook the Tofu

Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Then add bell peppers and snap peas, cooking until just tender.

Combine Everything

Return the tofu to the skillet, pour in the honey garlic sauce, and toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Garnish and Serve

Finish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Enjoy your savory and sweet stir fry!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to your sauce. Feel free to swap in any vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a vegan alternative to honey, agave syrup or maple syrup can be swapped in for a similar sweetness in this recipe. Both options blend well with the soy sauce and rice vinegar, ensuring that the primary flavor profile remains intact. Additionally, tamari can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version without compromising flavor.

For those who may not enjoy the sweetness of honey, you could experiment with using a bit of sriracha or chili paste in the sauce to elevate the heat. Just balance it out with a little extra rice vinegar to ensure acidity is maintained, resulting in a subtly spicy stir fry that kids and adults can enjoy.

Make-Ahead Storage

The Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days. However, I suggest keeping the tofu and sauce separate during storage to maintain the crispiness until you’re ready to eat. When reheating, a quick stir-fry in a hot pan will revive its texture more effectively than a microwave, and you can add a splash of soy sauce or water if needed to prevent sticking.

You can also prep the vegetables and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge, which will save you time on a busy weeknight. When ready to cook, it’ll take only a few minutes to stir-fry everything together, making it an ideal option for meal prep enthusiasts.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your sauce seems too thick after combining, a small amount of water or broth can loosen the mixture. Start with a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer for an additional minute to help it reduce and thicken, enhancing the flavor concentration.

If your tofu doesn't crisp up as expected, consider adjusting your heat level or cooking time. If the oil isn’t hot enough when you add the tofu, it may become soggy. A good test is to splash a drop of water in the pan—if it sizzles and evaporates quickly, you're good to go!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins instead of tofu?

Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or tempeh work great as alternatives.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.

→ What can I serve with this stir fry?

Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.