Crispy Sticky Tofu Bowl

This Crispy Sticky Tofu Bowl has become a recipe I crave almost daily! A healthy, flavorful & simple meal that's crispy and sticky in all the best ways. A Crispy Sticky Tofu Bowl has everything a perfect bowl needs to be perfect-golden-brown tofu coated in a sweet, spicy, paired with a delish cucumber salad and fluffy rice. Whether you're a tofu lover or still skeptical-I can almost guarantee this dish will have you hooked (my husband loves it).

The tofu gets ultra-crispy in the oven before being tossed in a sticky, garlicky, slightly spicy sauce. Pair it with perfectly cooked rice, a fresh cucumber salad, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a meal that's balanced, nourishing, and bursting with texture.✨🥒🍚

The Secret to Perfect Tofu

The secret to perfect tofu lies in pressing out excess moisture and coating it properly before cooking. Tofu naturally holds a lot of water, and if you don't press it out, it can become soggy when you cook it. Once you've pressed it, cutting the tofu into uniform cubes ensures even cooking. For that irresistible crispy texture, coat the tofu in cornstarchbefore baking, frying, or air frying. The starch creates a light, crispy crust while locking in flavor. Also, cooking at a higher temperature is key-this ensures the tofu becomes golden and crunchy on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside. With these simple steps, you can achieve tofu that's perfectly crispy, golden, and full of flavor every time! 🤍

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How to Make the Best Crispy Sticky Tofu Bowl

If you've ever struggled to get tofu crispy, this method will change your game. No soggy tofu-just pure crispiness that soaks up all the sticky sauce. Ready to make your new favorite tofu bowl? Here's what you need:

Ingredients

Crispy Tofu

• 2 Blocks Firm Tofu
• ½ Cup Corn Starch
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder

Sticky Sauce

• ¼ Cup Honey
• ½ Cup Tamari or soy sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoons Chili Crisp
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic minced
• ½ Teaspoon Salt

Cucumber Salad

• 2 Cups Cucumbers chopped or sliced
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• ¼ Cup Tamari or soy sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Chili Crisp
• ½ Tablespoon Garlic minced
• 1 Teaspoon Salt

Other Ingredients & Toppings

• 2 Cups Rice
• Green Onions
• Sesame Seeds

Step-By-Step

Prep the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Slice it into bite-sized cubes and toss them with cornstarch and garlic powder. This coating helps create an ultra-crispy texture once baked.

Bake the Tofu: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the tofu cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Make the Cucumber Salad: In a bowl, toss the chopped cucumbers with honey, tamari, rice vinegar, chili crisp, minced garlic, and salt. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Make the Sticky Sauce: While the tofu bakes, whisk together the honey, tamari, rice vinegar, chili crisp, garlic, and salt in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Toss the Tofu in the Sauce: Once the tofu is crispy, transfer it to a pan and pour the sticky sauce over it. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to coat every piece in the rich, garlicky sauce.

Assemble Your Bowl: Scoop some fluffy rice into a bowl, add a generous portion of Crispy Sticky Tofu, and top with the tangy cucumber salad. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for the perfect finishing touch.

Why You'll Love This Crispy Sticky Tofu Bowl

• Crispy, never soggy: Baking tofu at high heat ensures it gets beautifully golden and crunchy.
• Sticky, umami-packed sauce: The combination of honey, tamari, garlic, and chili crisp creates the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.
• Refreshing contrast: The cucumber salad adds a cool, tangy bite that balances out the richness of the sticky tofu.
• Gluten-free & plant-based: By using tamari instead of soy sauce, this recipe stays entirely gluten-free.
• Meal prep-friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Tips for the Best Crispy Sticky Tofu Bowl

• For extra crunch, broil the tofu for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Let the tofu sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to soak up maximum flavor.
• Use jasmine or basmati rice for the best texture and subtle aroma.
• Swap cucumbers for shredded carrots or radish for a different fresh crunch.
• Double the sauce if you love extra drizzle over rice and veggies!

Recipe Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some easy swaps and additions:

• Make it vegan: Swap honey for maple syrup or agave.
• Add a protein boost: Toss in edamame or roasted chickpeas.
• Go spicy: Add extra chili crisp or a dash of sriracha.
• Try a different grain: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Boost the veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions?

How do you make tofu extra crispy?
To make tofu extra crispy, always press out excess moisture before cooking. Coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch, then bake at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) for the perfect crunch. For even crispier tofu, you can air fry or pan-fry it instead of baking.

Can I air fry the tofu instead of baking?
Yes! Air frying is a great way to achieve ultra-crispy tofu. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the tofu for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

What is the best way to store and reheat crispy sticky tofu?
Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the tofu crispy when reheating, use an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave. Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy again.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the tofu and prepare the sticky sauce in advance. Store them separately and toss the tofu in the sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness.

What type of tofu works best for crispy tofu bowls?
Firm or extra-firm tofu is best for crispy tofu. Avoid using silken tofu, as it has too much moisture and won't crisp up properly.

Is this Crispy Sticky Tofu Bowl gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use tamari instead of soy sauce, this recipe is completely gluten-free. Double-check your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey in the sauce?
Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave nectar are great vegan-friendly substitutes for honey in the sticky sauce.

What vegetables pair well with this tofu bowl?
In addition to the cucumber salad, you can add steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, bell peppers, edamame, or roasted sweet potatoes for extra texture and nutrition.

What can I serve with this Crispy Sticky Tofu Bowl?
This bowl is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with brown rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa. Roasted vegetables, a side of miso soup, or a fresh Asian slaw also make great additions.

Can I use a different protein instead of tofu?
Yes! If you're not a fan of tofu, you can use tempeh, chickpeas, or even cauliflower for a crispy, plant-based alternative.

Enjoy!

This Crispy Sticky Tofu Bowl is the perfect balance of textures and flavors-crispy tofu, sticky sauce, and refreshing cucumber salad, all on a bed of rice. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a plant-based feast! Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy 🌿🥒✨ If you loved these flavors, try my 15 minute asian noodle soup recipe!

📖 Recipe