This sticky tofu recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy tofu. The tofu is cooked in the air fryer until it is nice and crispy, and then it is smothered in a sweet and sticky sauce. The sauce is made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and brown sugar, and it is absolutely delicious. You can serve this sticky tofu recipe as a main course or as an appetizer. Either way, it is sure to be a hit!
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This sticky tofu recipe is made in the air fryer and served with a sweet and sticky sauce. Serve this delicious sticky tofu with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Sticky tofu is a vegan, gluten-free recipe that can be made in just minutes. The key to this recipe is to press the tofu before cooking it. This helps to remove any excess moisture from the tofu so that it can better absorb the flavors of the sauce. Then, simply cook the sticky tofu in the air fryer until it is crispy and golden brown. Serve it with a sticky, sweet sauce and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for an easy, delicious, and healthy dinner recipe? Look no further than this sticky tofu! Tofu is a great source of protein and can be cooked in a variety of ways. This recipe is sticky, sweet and savory, and is sure to become a new favorite. Plus, it's vegan and can be made gluten-free. Here are three more reasons to love this sticky tofu recipe:
- It's simple to make, with only a few ingredients needed.
- It's versatile - enjoy it as a main dish or side.
- It's healthy, so you can feel good about eating it.
So what are you waiting for? Give this sticky tofu a try today!
What You’ll Need To Make Sticky Tofu
Crispy Tofu
Tofu: I used extra firm tofu for this recipe, but you could also use firm or even medium firm. Just be sure to press it before cooking to remove any excess moisture.
Corn starch: When used to coat the tofu before cooking, corn starch helps to give the tofu a crispy coating.
Soy sauce: I used low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content down, but you could use regular soy sauce if you prefer.
Sticky Sauce
Maple syrup: I used 100% pure maple syrup, but you could also use honey if you prefer.
Rice vinegar: You could also use cider vinegar or white vinegar.
Brown sugar: Brown sugar helps make this delicious sauce nice and sticky. I used light brown sugar, but you could also use dark brown sugar or even coconut sugar.
Soy sauce: Soy sauce gives the sticky tofu a bit of saltiness and umami flavor.
Corn starch: Corn starch is used to thicken the sauce so that it clings to the tofu.
Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil gives the sauce a nice nutty flavor.
Green onions: Green onions are used as a garnish. These are optional, but I think they add a nice touch.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Now that you have all of your ingredients, let's get cooking! This sticky tofu recipe is easy to make and only takes a few minutes. Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Remove the tofu from the package and carefully drain any excess water. Place the tofu on a plate or cutting board and gently press it with your hands to remove any excess moisture. You can also use a tofu press, if you have one.
Step 2: Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into 1-inch cubes and place it in a bowl with 2 tablespoon of soy sauce. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
Step 3: Add the corn starch to the bowl and stir until the tofu is evenly coated.
Step 4: Spray your air fryer with cooking spray and preheat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Carefully add the tofu to the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Step 6: While the tofu is cooking, prepare the sticky sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and corn starch. Whisk together until the corn starch is dissolved.
Step 7: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened.
Step 8: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the sesame oil.
Step 9: When the tofu is crispy and golden brown, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it in the saucepan with the sticky sauce. Stir until the tofu is evenly coated.
Step 10: Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips And Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the perfect sticky tofu:
- Make sure to press the tofu before cooking to remove any excess moisture. This will help to ensure that your tofu is crispy and not soggy.
- If you don't have an air fryer, you can also cook the tofu in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the tofu for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
- If you can't find corn starch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch to thicken the sauce instead. If you don't have any of these, you can thicken the sauce by reducing it on the stove until it's nice and sticky.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it in a saucepan over low heat until it's nice and warm.
- The tofu is best when made fresh. While it can be stored and reheated later, it will not stay crispy.
Serving Suggestions And Substitutions
This sticky tofu is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Rice: Serve the tofu over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Veggies: Add some steamed vegetables to your plate for a healthy side dish.
- Noodles: Serve the tofu over a bed of cooked noodles for a tasty twist.
This recipe is delicious as written, but if you need to make substitutions, here are a few ideas:
- Tofu: If you're not a fan of tofu, you can use chicken, shrimp, or beef instead. They will all go well with this sauce. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Sauce: If you can't find maple syrup, you can use honey or agave nectar instead. You can also use white sugar, brown sugar, or molasses. Just be aware that these substitutions will change the flavor of the sauce.
- Thickening agent: If you don't have corn starch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch to thicken the sauce instead. If you don't have any of these, you can thicken the sauce by reducing it on the stove until it's nice and sticky.
- Garnishes: The green onions and sesame seeds are both optional garnishes. If you don't have them on hand, just leave them out.
- Heat: This recipe is not spicy, but if you like a little heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. Start with a little and add more to taste.
How To Store Leftovers
Leftover sticky tofu will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat it in a saucepan over low heat until it's nice and warm. The tofu will not stay crispy, but it will still be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the sticky sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! The sauce can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it in a saucepan over low heat until it's nice and warm.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and corn starch. You can also use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch to thicken the sauce instead of corn starch.
Q: Why is my tofu mushy?
A: Tofu can become mushy if it's not cooked properly or if you don't press it to remove excess water. Make sure to press the tofu before cooking to remove any excess moisture. This will help to ensure that your tofu is crispy and not soggy.
Q: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
A: If you don't have an air fryer, you can also cook the tofu in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the tofu for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
Q: My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: If your sauce is too thin, you can add more corn starch to thicken it. You can also reduce the sauce on the stove over low heat until it's nice and sticky.
Tools And Equipment For This Recipe
GoWISE USA 7-Quart Electric Air Fryer With Dehydrator: This is a great budget-friendly air fryer. It’s large enough to cook a big batch of crispy tofu.
Le Creuset Saucepan: This is my go-to pan for cooking small-batch recipes over the stove. It heats evenly and the enameled surface is easy to clean.
Glass Mixing Bowls: These glass mixing bowls are super versatile. You can use them for mixing, storing, and serving. In this recipe, they can be used for mixing the tofu with the soy sauce and corn starch.
📖 Recipe
Easy Sticky Tofu
Ingredients
Crispy Tofu
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon corn starch
Sticky Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- green onions to garnish
- sesame seeds to garnish
Instructions
- Remove the tofu from the package and carefully drain any excess water. Place the tofu on a plate or cutting board and gently press it with your hands to remove any excess moisture. You can also use a tofu press, if you have one.
- Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into 1-inch cubes and place it in a bowl with 2 tablespoon of soy sauce. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
- Add the corn starch to the bowl and stir until the tofu is evenly coated.
- Spray your air fryer with cooking spray and preheat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Carefully add the tofu to the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- While the tofu is cooking, prepare the sticky sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and corn starch. Whisk together until the corn starch is dissolved.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the sesame oil.
- When the tofu is crispy and golden brown, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it in the saucepan with the sticky sauce. Stir until the tofu is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
* Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content may vary based on brands of ingredients used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
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