Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

Name: Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 14 ounces firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 2 tablespoons honey; 4 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons oil for frying; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Highlighted under: Family Quick Meals Inspiration

I absolutely love this Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry! It's become one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights because it's quick, delicious, and packed with flavor. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a delightful sauce that perfectly coats the crispy tofu and colorful vegetables. I often serve it over rice or noodles, and it always garners compliments from friends and family. Trust me, this dish is not only satisfying but also a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, meatless meal!

Created by

Thea Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:55:35.746Z

When I first tried making Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry, I was surprised at how quickly it came together. The key is to marinate the tofu beforehand, allowing it to soak in all the delicious flavors. This not only enhances the taste but also gives it a nice texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp veggies.

I enjoy experimenting with the vegetables I use; bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas work particularly well. If you have some extra time, consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and nuttiness that elevates the dish!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory flavor that tantalizes your taste buds
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile recipe that allows for endless vegetable combinations

Mastering Tofu Texture

Tofu can sometimes be intimidating, but getting the perfect texture is key to a delicious stir fry. For this recipe, choosing firm tofu is essential; it holds its shape and provides a nice bite after cooking. Pressing the tofu before marinating not only removes excess moisture but also allows it to absorb the flavorful marinade more effectively. If you find your tofu is still too soft, try freezing it for a few hours and then thawing before pressing—this technique changes the texture, making it chewier.

Coating the tofu with cornstarch is a small yet crucial step. This creates a crispy crust when frying, adding a delightful contrast to the tender interior. Be sure to toss the cubes gently to avoid breaking, and let them sit briefly after coating so the cornstarch adheres well. When frying, aim for medium-high heat; the oil should shimmer but not smoke. Cook the tofu until it develops golden edges, about 7 minutes, which will add a rich depth of flavor.

Choosing and Cooking Vegetables

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility with vegetables. Opt for a mix of colorful and crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, which not only add vibrant color but also texture to the dish. When selecting veggies, I recommend using fresh rather than frozen for the best taste and appearance. You can also customize the mix based on what’s seasonal or available—zucchini, carrots, and bok choy also work beautifully.

When stir-frying the vegetables, avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure they cook evenly and retain their crunch. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp; they should maintain their bright colors and slight snap. This step is crucial because overcooking can lead to mushy vegetables that lose their vibrant flavors. Be ready to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and type of the vegetables you use.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry:

Ingredients

14 ounces firm tofu, pressed and cubed
2 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Make sure to adapt the vegetables to your preference and enjoy!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry:

Prepare the Tofu

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into cubes and marinate in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 15 minutes.

Coat the Tofu

Toss the marinated tofu cubes with cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Cook the Tofu

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, approximately 7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Stir Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and stir fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Combine and Serve

Return the tofu to the skillet, pour any remaining marinade over the top, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles.

Enjoy your flavorful and healthy meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, garnish your stir fry with chopped green onions or sesame seeds just before serving.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

This Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry is ideal for meal prep, as it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can prepare the tofu and marinate it a day in advance—just ensure it is stored in an airtight container to maintain its flavor. When ready to cook, simply fry the tofu and sauté the vegetables. To keep the dish fresh, store the cooked stir fry separately from the rice or noodles until you’re ready to serve, preventing sogginess.

If you’re looking to scale this recipe up, simply double the ingredients. The cooking times for both the tofu and vegetables should remain comparable, but plan on using a larger skillet or cooking in batches to avoid steaming. For quick weekday meals, consider preparing a larger batch on the weekend and portioning it into lunch containers for easy grab-and-go meals during the week.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To serve this stir fry, I love to pile it over a generous scoop of jasmine rice or udon noodles, which soak up the honey garlic sauce beautifully. For a low-carb option, consider using cauliflower rice. The dish can be topped with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor and presentation. Additionally, a splash of lime juice right before serving adds a refreshing zing that complements the sweetness of the honey perfectly.

Feel free to experiment with the sauce by adding red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of rice vinegar for acidity. You can even swap out honey for maple syrup if you're looking for a vegan option. The mix-and-match possibilities are endless! Adjust the soy sauce levels based on your salt preferences, as reducing it will allow the other flavors to shine through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.

→ How can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already vegan, as it uses tofu and honey can be substituted with agave syrup for a completely plant-based version.

→ What can I serve with this stir fry?

This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles!

→ Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, the stir fry can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat before serving.