Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

Name: Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 carrot, julienned; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; Sesame seeds for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick Kitchen Creations

I absolutely love making Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry because it’s both quick and flavorful. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip up a colorful, nutritious meal that satisfies my cravings for something sweet and savory. The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a beautiful glaze that clings to the tofu and vegetables, bringing everything together wonderfully. Whether I'm serving it over rice or quinoa, it never fails to impress my family and friends—who often ask for seconds!

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:40:35.336Z

In my exploration of plant-based dishes, I stumbled upon the happiness that is Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry. The first time I made it, I was blown away by how a few pantry staples transformed simple ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes, enhanced by the honey's natural sweetness paired with the salty soy sauce.

While cooking, I learned the secret to achieving that perfect crispy tofu is pressing it beforehand to eliminate excess moisture. This small step made a world of difference! Since then, it has become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights and casual dinners with friends.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, sticky glaze that clings to crispy tofu
Colorful vegetables add a fresh crunch
Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights

Perfecting the Tofu Texture

Achieving the right texture for tofu is crucial in this Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry. Pressing the tofu for at least 15 minutes helps eliminate excess moisture, ensuring it crisps up nicely when sautéed. For best results, use a heavy object, like a cast-iron skillet, to weigh down the tofu while it's pressed. Remember, any excess water can lead to soggy tofu, which won’t hold onto the delicious glaze.

Once pressed and cubed, it's important to cook the tofu over medium-high heat. This allows it to develop a crispy exterior while remaining soft on the inside. Keep an eye on it, and turn the pieces occasionally; look for a rich golden brown color that indicates crispiness and enhances flavor.

Understanding Your Sauce

The honey and soy sauce in this recipe create not just flavor but also a gorgeous, sticky glaze. Use high-quality soy sauce for the best taste; light soy sauce will result in a saltier profile, while dark soy sauce adds depth and sweetness. If you want to bypass sweetness from honey, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar as a vegan alternative that maintains the same consistency in the sauce.

When combining the sauce, whisk it until everything is fully integrated. Pour it over the stir fry towards the end of cooking. This timing ensures the garlic and ginger cook just enough to release their flavors without burning, so it’s essential to add the sauce right after these aromatics but before the dish is removed from heat.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

To elevate your Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry, consider serving it with freshly cooked jasmine rice or protein-packed quinoa. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped scallions or fresh cilantro as a garnish for an extra burst of flavor. If you want to enhance the dish even further, a drizzle of sriracha or chili flakes can add a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The stir fry reheats well in a skillet over medium heat, but be careful not to overcook, as the tofu can become tough. You may want to add a splash of water to revive the glaze when reheating.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delightful stir-fry.

Main Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Sesame seeds for garnish

Feel free to add any seasonal veggies you have on hand!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your stir fry.

Prepare the Tofu

Start by pressing the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut it into cubes.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and soy sauce until well combined. Set aside.

Cook the Tofu

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.

Add the Vegetables

Stir in the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot, sautéing for another 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

Combine Everything

Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute, then pour the sauce over the stir fry. Toss well to coat all ingredients.

Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve hot over rice or quinoa.

Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice before serving.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to customize the vegetables used in this recipe based on what's in season or what you have at home. Snap peas, zucchini, or cauliflower are great alternatives that will still pick up the honey garlic sauce exceptionally well. Whatever you choose, aim for a balance of colors and textures to keep the dish visually appealing and nutritious.

If you're looking for a protein boost, you can easily add edamame or chickpeas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly so everything cooks evenly without overcooking the delicate vegetables.

Scaling Your Recipe

This Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings or meal prep. Simply multiply the quantities by two or three for a crowd without altering the cooking technique. Just ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity; overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than crisping the tofu and vegetables.

For meal prep, consider packaging the stir fry into individual containers. Pair it with the grain of your choice, making it a convenient grab-and-go lunch option. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick, nutritious meal throughout the week.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your tofu isn't crispy enough, it's likely that it was overcrowded in the pan or not cooked with sufficient heat. Ensure each piece has space to cook evenly and consider batch cooking in smaller amounts if necessary. A well-heated skillet is your friend—ensure the oil is shimmering before adding tofu.

Should your sauce turn out too thick, a splash of water or a bit more soy sauce can help achieve a smoother consistency. Remember, a well-balanced sauce should coat the ingredients without becoming overly gloppy, allowing the taste of each component to shine through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the tofu?

Yes, you can use tempeh or even chicken if you prefer.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the stir fry.

→ Can I prepare this meal in advance?

Absolutely! Just store the cooked stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It's perfect with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles!