Garlic Soy Tofu
Equipment
- Normal Kitchen Utensils
Ingredients
- 16 Oz. Firm Tofu
- 3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced Fresh Ginger Roughly 1 Inch (Optional)
- 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2-3 Green Onions Sliced
Instructions
- Cut the tofu block into 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch cubes. Lay the cubs onto paper towels to draw out some of the moisture.
- Heat 2 Tbsp of the vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the tofu cubes to the oil and fry on all sides until golden. Give the first few sides 2 minutes each to crisp up before flipping. Otherwise, you risk breaking them apart. It should take 6-8 minutes to fry them in total. Once fried, remove the tofu from the pan.
- While the tofu fries, prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar and sugar.
- Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan the tofu was in – still over medium high heat.
- Add the garlic and ginger to the oil and stir constantly for 30 seconds (or they will burn) until fragrant.
- Add the tofu back to the pan, along with the sauce. Stir to coat the tofu. Then, add the green onions and cook another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Serve right away over rice or lo mein.
A New Twist on a Classic Tofu Dish
Garlic Soy Tofu brings a fresh twist to classic Chinese flavors. This recipe plays off the popular dish Mapo Tofu, a spicy, flavorful dish originating from Sichuan Province in China. Traditionally, Mapo Tofu includes fermented black beans, Sichuan peppercorns, and doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste), ingredients that can be tricky to find. But I’ve created a version with simpler, accessible ingredients while still packing a punch.
Instead of the intense, numbing spiciness from Sichuan peppercorns, this garlic soy tofu is all about a bold garlic and soy flavor profile. The result? A dish with just enough heat to warm your taste buds and a hint of sweetness that balances it all out. This recipe keeps the focus on tofu’s tender texture, with a sauce that clings to each bite.
Garlic Soy Tofu: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
This dish proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list to create something delicious. With pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar, you get a savory-sweet sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the pan. Tofu, a high-protein, low-cost ingredient, works perfectly for absorbing the sauce. The trick is to press and dry the tofu before cooking to get a crispy exterior while keeping it soft on the inside.
Garlic Soy Tofu comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights or quick lunches. Serve it over a bed of rice, or try it alongside my Low Budget Lo Mein for a complete, budget-friendly meal that feels like takeout without leaving home. The tofu’s satisfying texture and the rich sauce pair perfectly with a noodle dish. You’ll have a balanced, filling meal that feels as comforting as it is delicious.
A Versatile Dish with Endless Options
Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. If you like it spicy, add more chili paste or red pepper flakes. For a hint of freshness, toss in chopped green onions or cilantro at the end. This tofu dish adapts well to extra veggies, too, like bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas—just toss them in with the tofu to absorb the sauce.
Give this Garlic Soy Tofu a try and taste how a few simple ingredients can make tofu irresistible. Whether you’re a tofu fan or trying it for the first time, this dish has you covered.