Experience a vibrant twist on traditional tofu with a delightful blend of tangy soy sauce, zesty rice vinegar and fragrant sesame oil. Perfectly balanced with sweet maple syrup and aromatic garlic and ginger, each crispy, golden cube is infused with flavors that brighten any meal and leave you craving more.

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I’ve been experimenting with tofu recipes for a while now and this one’s a total game changer. When you bite into this tofu dish, its delicious taste and beautiful marinade are sure to impress.

I start with 14 oz extra firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into cubes. Then I marinate the tofu in a mix of 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tbsp maple syrup.

I also add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, and if you like a little kick, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. For extra crispiness, I mix in 1 tbsp water with 1 tbsp cornstarch.

I was inspired by some of the coolest air fried tofu recipes and even tried out some techniques I saw in roasted tofu recipes. With each bite you get a protein boost along with really balanced flavors and an awesome texture.

This is honestly one of the best tofu dishes I’ve ever made.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really like how the tofu gets super crispy on the outside while still staying soft on the inside. Its that crunch that makes every bite so satisfying.
2. I love the flavor mashup in the marinade – it’s tangy and a bit sweet with just enough spice, and it really seeps into every cube.
3. I appreciate how easy and quick it is to prepare, even when I’m in a rush. It’s like one of those no-fuss meals that still tastes amazing.
4. I also feel good about eating this recipe because it’s healthy but still totally delicious, making it become my go-to comfort food.

Ingredients

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Tofu: A top source of protein and fiber that’s super good at soaking up flavors.
Soy Sauce: Brings a savory, salty kick that really pulls the dish together.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy, sour punch that balances out the sweeter notes perfectly.
Sesame Oil: Gives a nutty flavor and healthy fats which makes it extra flavorful.
Maple Syrup: Provides a natural sweetness and a bit of carbs that nicely contrasts the tanginess.

Ingredient Quantities

14 oz extra firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into cubes

3 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp maple syrup

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp grated ginger

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional if you want a little kick)

1 tbsp water

1 tbsp cornstarch (for a crispier finish)

How to Make this

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1. First, drain the tofu and press it to remove extra moisture, then cut it into cubes.

2. In a bowl, stir together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.

3. Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss so they soak up all the marinade. Let sit for at least 20 minutes if you can.

4. In a small cup, mix 1 tablespoon water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until it’s smooth, then pour that into the bowl with the tofu.

5. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat until it’s warm.

6. Put the marinated tofu cubes into the pan in a single layer, making sure they have enough room.

7. Cook the tofu for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they get a nice, crispy golden finish.

8. Once they’re crispy and browned on all sides, remove the tofu from the pan.

9. Taste and adjust the flavor with a little extra soy sauce if needed.

10. Serve the tofu while it’s still hot and enjoy your delicious marinated tofu!

Equipment Needed

1. Tofu press or a heavy object to press the tofu
2. Cutting board and a sharp knife to cube the tofu
3. Measuring spoons (for soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes)
4. Mixing bowl to combine the marinade ingredients with the tofu
5. Small cup to mix the water and cornstarch
6. Non-stick pan to cook the tofu evenly
7. Spatula to turn the tofu pieces during cooking
8. Stove to heat the pan and cook the tofu

FAQ

Q: Do i really need to press the tofu before using it?

A: Yeah, pressing the tofu gets rid of enough water so that it absorbs the marinade better and gets crispy when cooked.

Q: Can i use firm tofu instead of extra firm tofu?

A: You can, but extra firm tofu is better for holding up to the marinade and frying without falling apart.

Q: Is it necessary to use cornstarch for a crispy finish?

A: Its not a must, but tossing the tofu in cornstarch really ups the crunch factor, so its highly recommended.

Q: Are the crushed red pepper flakes important?

A: They add a bit of heat, so if you like spice keep them in, but you can always skip them if you prefer milder flavors.

Q: Can i adjust the marinade for more flavor?

A: For sure, you can always tweak the amount of soy sauce or add extra garlic if you want a bolder taste.

Mind Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Extra firm tofu: You could try using tempeh if you’re after a nuttier taste or even a firm seitan for extra protein.
Soy sauce: Instead of soy sauce, tamari works great if you need a gluten-free option or coconut aminos if you want a slightly sweeter, less salty flavor.
Rice vinegar: You might substitute apple cider vinegar, but keep in mind its tang can be a bit stronger so use a little less.
Sesame oil: If you don’t have sesame oil, toasted peanut oil can give you a similar roasted nutty flavor, or you can even use a light splash of olive oil.
Maple syrup: Agave nectar is a good alternative if you’re looking for a similar sweetness but with a different flavor profile.

Pro Tips

1. For extra crispy tofu, make sure you press it really well to get rid of all extra moisture and let it sit in the marinade longer if you can. This helps absorb more flavors so each bite is better.

2. When cooking, try not to overcrowd your pan. Give tofu plenty of space, that way they crisp up much quicker. If you overcrowd it, you might end up with soggy tofu instead of crispy bits.

3. Always have a taste after frying to see if you need to adjust the seasoning. A little extra soy sauce or a pinch of red pepper here and there can really boost the flavor.

4. If you’re looking to push it further, experiment by adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce at the end for an extra flavor kick.