Name: Sticky Garlic Tofu (Crispy, Easy u0026amp; High-Protein Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: Tofu & Coating:; 1 block firm tofu (400g) I love the @tofoo brand; 30g cornflour; Pinch of salt; Pinch of ground white pepper; Sticky Garlic Sauce:; 1 tsp garlic powder; 4 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/4 cup water; 2 tsp cornflour; 2 tsp sesame oil; Garnish:; Toasted sesame seeds; Chopped green onion

Hey there, food friends!
If you’ve ever thought tofu was boring or bland, I promise this recipe is about to change your mind! This Sticky Garlic Tofu is crispy, flavorful, and so fun to eat. The sauce is sweet, sticky, and packed with garlicky goodness, while the tofu gets so crunchy it almost feels like magic.

And guess what? It’s super high in protein over 30 grams per portion! That means it fills you up and fuels your body. Whether you’re new to tofu or already a fan, this is one dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Method (In-Depth)

Prep the Tofu

Start by getting your block of firm tofu ready. I like to use the @tofoo brand because it has great texture and doesn’t need pressing. Simply take the block and crumble it into large chunks using your hands. Don’t worry about making perfect shapes the uneven crumbles actually help make the tofu crispier and more interesting to eat. Once you’ve broken it up, place the tofu pieces into a large mixing bowl.

Now sprinkle the cornflour (also called cornstarch), a pinch of salt, and a little ground white pepper over the tofu. Use a spoon or gently toss with your hands to make sure each tofu piece is evenly coated. This step is important the cornflour gives the tofu that golden, crunchy exterior once cooked.

Get It Crispy

Once your tofu is coated and ready, it’s time to crisp it up. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (or about 350°F). Spread the tofu pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not crowded this helps the air circulate and makes everything crisp up evenly.

Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through to flip the tofu and ensure all sides get crunchy. You’ll know it’s ready when the tofu looks golden brown and feels super crispy on the outside. If you’re using an oven, you can bake the tofu at the same temperature, but it may take a little longer and need flipping halfway through.

Make the Sauce

While the tofu is crisping up, you can prepare the sticky garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, cornflour, and sesame oil. Stir it well to break up the cornflour you don’t want any lumps.

Now pour this mixture into a small saucepan and place it on the stove over medium heat. Stir constantly as the sauce heats up. Within a few minutes, it will begin to bubble and thicken. Keep an eye on it once it turns glossy and sticky, it’s done. If you notice the sauce becoming too thick or starting to clump, just add a splash of water and keep stirring until it smooths out again.

Toss It All Together

Once your tofu is perfectly crispy and your sauce is thick and shiny, it’s time to bring it all together. In a large bowl, add the hot tofu and pour the sticky garlic sauce over it. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss everything together until each piece of tofu is completely coated in that sweet and garlicky goodness. Be gentle you want to keep those crispy pieces from breaking apart too much.

Garnish & Serve

To finish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion over the saucy tofu. These little extras don’t just look pretty they add a nutty crunch and a fresh pop of flavor that really brings the whole dish together.

Serve the tofu immediately while it’s hot, sticky, and still crunchy. The sooner you eat it, the better the texture will be!

Necessary Tools

Air fryer (or oven if needed)
Large mixing bowl
Saucepan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons and cups
Small whisk or fork