Description
Savor the irresistible flavor of Sticky Panfried Garlic Lime Tofu, featuring crispy tofu bathed in a sweet and tangy garlic-lime sauce. This quick dish is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, offering a satisfying and healthy vegan option that never disappoints.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 lime, zest & juice
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp sambal oelek
- 5 tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 15 oz super-firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained
- vegetable oil for cooking
- 1–2 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: Whisk together garlic, lime zest and juice, sesame oil, sambal oelek, soy sauce, and water in a bowl. Add brown sugar until dissolved.
- Prepare the Tofu: Cut tofu into ½-inch cubes; marinate in half the sauce for 20 minutes.
- Optional Coating: Sprinkle tofu with cornstarch for extra crunch.
- Heat and Fry: In a skillet, heat oil and fry tofu cubes, turning until golden brown.
- Simmer the Sauce: In a saucepan, simmer the remaining sauce for 5-10 minutes.
- Create the Thickening Slurry: Whisk 2 tbsp of the sauce with cornstarch.
- Thicken and Combine: Add the slurry to sauce; let it thicken for 1-2 minutes.
- Final Coat: Reduce heat, add sauce to tofu, and stir to coat thoroughly.
- Serve Warm: Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Enjoy with rice.
Notes
Press tofu well to remove moisture for better flavor absorption.
Adjust sambal oelek according to spice preference.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
