Crispy Tofu with Garlic Sauce (without Deep-Frying)
A classic Hong Kong street food made in your kitchen. Learn the easiest way to make crispy tofu that tastes great—no deep-frying and marinating needed!
- Prep time
- 5 min
- Cook time
- 30 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 12-oz. / 340-g block extra firm tofu
- Salt
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 green onion (chopped (*Footnote 1))
- Optional Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional Sriracha sauce for serving
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 C). Line a baking tray with parchment.
- 2
Press the water out of the tofu while heating up the oven. Carefully press the tofu with your hands. Slice the tofu into two even-thickness pieces. Wrap a few layers of cheesecloth (or kitchen paper towel) outside the tofu, and place a small tray with a heavy weight on top. The weight can be a jar of pickles or canned tomatoes.
- 3
When the oven is heated, cut the tofu into 1/2-inch (1-cm) pieces. (*Footnote 2)
- 4
Season both sides with salt. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the tofu turns golden and the surface puffs.
- 5
Now you can use it in stir fries or serve the tofu with sauce.
- 6
Prepare the garlic sauce while baking the tofu. Whisk the soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl until completely dissolved.
- 7
Heat the oil in a small pan over a medium heat until hot. Add the garlic and green onions. Stir for 20 seconds to release the aroma.
- 8
Stir the sauce again to make sure the cornstarch is dissolved. Pour into the pan. Stir constantly for 10 to 20 seconds, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Transfer immediately into a small bowl, so the sauce won’t overcook in the residual heat.
- 9
When the tofu is baked, drizzle the sauce over the tofu. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if using.
- 10
Serve immediately as a snack or appetizer.