If you’re looking for a dish that marries sweetness with a bit of heat, then Hot Honey Tofu is your answer. This recipe features crispy tofu coated in a sticky, spicy sauce that is both satisfying and completely plant-based. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to a tasty meal, this Hot Honey Tofu will not disappoint.
Why We Love This Hot Honey Tofu Recipe
There are multiple reasons why Hot Honey Tofu has earned a special place in our hearts (and stomachs). First and foremost, it offers an exquisite balance of flavors. The sweetness of the hot honey complements the crispy, savory notes of the tofu perfectly. Each bite gives you a crunchy exterior that gives way to soft, tender tofu inside, leaving you craving more.
Moreover, it’s incredibly versatile. It can be served as a main dish, tossed over a bed of rice, or nestled within crispy lettuce wraps for a refreshing crunch. It also packs a hearty protein punch without any animal products, making it a fantastic choice for vegans and vegetarians alike.
The ease of preparation makes it even better. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll find that this dish can be whipped up in no time. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, the Hot Honey Tofu is a dish you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients about Hot Honey Tofu
To embark on your culinary journey with Hot Honey Tofu, gather the following ingredients:
- Tofu: 2 (16-ounce) blocks of super firm or extra firm tofu
- Cornstarch: 3/4 cup (for that crispy coating)
- Non-Dairy Milk: 3/4 cup
- Breadcrumbs: 3/4 cup
- Crushed Cornflakes: 3/4 cup
- Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Garlic Powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Paprika: 3/4 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Vegan Hot Honey: 1 cup (plus more to serve if desired)
- Frank’s Red Hot: 2 tablespoons (for that extra kick)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 teaspoon (optional, for added richness)
With these ingredients by your side, you are all set to create this delectable dish!
How to Make Hot Honey Tofu Directions
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation steps that will lead you to your delicious Hot Honey Tofu.
- Start by preheating your oven or air fryer to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the tofu from sticking, ensuring a perfect outcome every time.
- In a shallow bowl, pour in the cornstarch and set it aside.
- In another shallow bowl, pour in the non-dairy milk and keep it ready for the next step.
- In a third shallow bowl, mix together your breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. The combination of these ingredients will create a flavorful and crunchy coating for your tofu.
- Take each block of tofu and slice them carefully into 12 rectangles. Aim for even slices so that they cook uniformly.
- Begin the coating process! First, coat each piece of tofu in the cornstarch. Shake off any excess to avoid a clumpy texture.
- Next, dip the tofu into the non-dairy milk, allowing it to soak up the moisture.
- Finally, dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the mixture adheres well to the tofu.
- Arrange your coated tofu pieces on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes or air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will guarantee a crispy finish on both sides.
- While the tofu is baking, take a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the vegan hot honey and Frank’s Red Hot. If desired, add the optional olive oil for extra richness.
- Once the tofu is done baking, remove it from the oven and generously coat each strip with the hot honey sauce.
- Put the coated tofu back into the oven and bake for another 20 minutes or air fry for an additional 10 minutes. This second round will make them even crispier and allow the sauce to adhere beautifully.
- Finally, serve your Hot Honey Tofu warm, drizzling on more hot honey if you like additional spice and sweetness. Enjoy!
How to Serve Hot Honey Tofu
Serving your Hot Honey Tofu can be as creative as you want it to be. For a complete meal, consider placing a few strips over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa. The rice will soak up the sweet and spicy sauce, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, you can serve the tofu in lettuce wraps. Simply spoon some rice onto a leaf of crisp romaine or butter lettuce, top it with the hot honey tofu, and add your favorite toppings, such as sliced green onions, shredded carrots, or avocado.
For those wanting a kick of color and flavor, consider serving the tofu alongside roasted vegetables, creating a colorful plate that’s visually appealing and nutritious.
Don’t forget to keep some extra vegan hot honey on the side for drizzling, giving your dish that eye-catching glisten and a flavor boost.
Expert Tips: Hot Honey Tofu
- Press Your Tofu: Before you start, press out excess water from your tofu. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top for about 15-20 minutes. The dryer your tofu is, the crispier it will be!
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is essential for crispy tofu without the fuss of cleanup or sticking.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the seasoning in your breadcrumb mixture. Adding cayenne pepper, dried herbs, or nutritional yeast can elevate the dish even further.
- Check for Doneness: Not all ovens are created equal. Check your tofu during the baking process to ensure it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Serve Hot: Hot Honey Tofu is best enjoyed fresh. If you’re making a large batch, keep them warm in a low oven until you are ready to serve.
How to Store Hot Honey Tofu
If you find yourself with leftover Hot Honey Tofu (though you may not), storing it properly ensures that it remains delicious for the next day. Allow the tofu to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container.
Store it in the fridge, where it will stay good for about 3-4 days. Reheating can be tricky—microwaving might leave it a bit soggy, so instead, consider popping it back in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain that lovely crisp texture.
Variation of Hot Honey Tofu
Hot Honey Tofu is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to make variations that suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Spicy Garlic Tofu: For those who crave even more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the hot honey sauce for an extra kick.
- Sesame Hot Honey Tofu: Mix in sesame oil with the hot honey sauce for a nutty flavor, and finish with sesame seeds for a delightful crunch.
- Sweet and Tangy Tofu: Incorporate some apple cider vinegar or lime juice into your hot honey glaze to create a tangy contrast that cuts through the sweetness.
- Baked or Fried: For an even more indulgent take, you could fry the coated tofu in a bit of oil instead of baking it, leading to a rich and crispy exterior.
FAQ
What is Hot Honey Tofu?
Hot Honey Tofu is a flavorful dish made with crispy tofu coated in a sweet and spicy vegan hot honey sauce. The blend of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser among those who enjoy plant-based meals.
Can I use regular honey instead of vegan hot honey in this recipe?
If you’re not strictly vegan, you may substitute regular honey for the vegan hot honey. Keep in mind that the dish will no longer be suitable for vegans.
How can I make my tofu extra crispy?
To make your tofu extra crispy, ensure you press the tofu to remove as much moisture as possible. Additionally, using cornstarch in the coating process is key to achieving that coveted crunch.
Is Hot Honey Tofu gluten-free?
By using gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornflakes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
How do I spice up my Hot Honey Tofu leftovers?
To jazz up your leftover tofu, toss it briefly in a hot pan with some fresh vegetables or an extra drizzle of hot honey. This will refresh the flavors and give it a new twist.
Hot Honey Tofu
Ingredients
Tofu and Coating
- 2 blocks super firm or extra firm tofu 1 block is 16 ounces
- 3/4 cup cornstarch For crispy coating
- 3/4 cup non-dairy milk
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup crushed cornflakes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup vegan hot honey Plus more to serve if desired
- 2 tablespoons Frank's Red Hot For extra kick
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil Optional, for added richness
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, pour in the cornstarch and set it aside.
- In another shallow bowl, pour in the non-dairy milk and keep it ready.
- In a third shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Slice each block of tofu into 12 rectangles.
Coating
- Coat each piece of tofu in cornstarch, shake off excess.
- Dip tofu into non-dairy milk.
- Dredge each piece in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange the coated tofu pieces on the lined baking sheet.
Baking
- Bake for 30 minutes or air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the tofu is baking, whisk together the vegan hot honey and Frank's Red Hot in a medium bowl.
- If desired, add olive oil for extra richness.
- Once baking is done, coat each tofu strip with the hot honey sauce.
- Return coated tofu to the oven for another 20 minutes or air fry for 10 minutes.
Serving
- Serve warm, drizzling on more hot honey if desired.
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