This easy and delicious vegan crispy tofu in garlic sauce will be a new favorite! Easy to make and loaded with flavor.
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Tofu is one of the most popular vegan proteins. And for a good reason. It can take on almost any flavor easily and when you learn to properly cook tofu, it’s insanely delicious. This vegan crispy tofu in garlic sauce is one of the best ways!
Chinese garlic sauce is a popular sauce that is loaded with garlic flavor. In fact, it uses a whole bulb of garlic to make this dish. If you love garlic, then you will love this taste.
We first cook the tofu in an air fryer and then finish it off on the stove in that delicious sauce to make a quick and easy dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO I HAVE TO USE SOY SAUCE?
You can easily swap with coconut aminos. You can also use tamari sauce if you need something gluten free.
CAN I MAKE THIS TOP 8 ALLERGY FRIENDLY?
This dish is tofu based, so soy is something that is included as the main component.
However, you could make our chickpea, cashew and broccoli dish in garlic sauce skillet if you are avoiding soy.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately to remain crispy. However, you can continue to enjoy it for 2-3 days after making. If you want to make it crispy again, we recommend that you throw it back into the air fryer for a few minutes.
Can I make this dish oil free?
A main part of the flavor in this sauce is the taste from the toasted sesame oil. While we highly recommend it and don’t recommend swapping, if you are adamant on an oil free dish, this you can swap with half the amount of vegetable stock.
Can I marinate the tofu first?
This is a different way to make the dish, but it also works. Make the sauce first, leaving out the cornstarch, and then after draining the water from the tofu, add to the sauce and marinade overnight.
When ready to cook add just the tofu to a skillet with a tablespoon of additional sesame oil. Reserve the sauce.
Pan fried the tofu for about 5-7 minutes, flipping to pan fry all sides. While frying, add the cornstarch for the sauce and whisk it in the the marinade. Add the sauce and let cook for another 3-4 minutes until thickened.
What are other vegan dinner ideas I would like?
If you like the flavors of this dish, then you will also love our chickpea, cashew and broccoli dish in garlic sauce skillet.
Other dishes that you may like are:
- Vegan Kung Pao Cauliflower
- Vegan Walnut Meat Cheese Fries
- Dairy Free Taco Casserole
- Vegan Italian Meatballs
- Dairy Free Alfredo
- Easy Dairy Free Spinach & Walnut Pesto
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Crispy Tofu in Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- 14-16 ounces extra firm tofu, pressed, drained, and sliced into ½ inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (can sub with arrowroot powder)
For the Garlic Sauce
- 1 bulb garlic, minced
- ¼ cup sesame oil
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce, (make sure it's gluten free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (can sub arrowroot powder)
- ½-1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce *optional
Serve With
- cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles
- steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach
- sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
- Add tofu cubes to a bowl and add in 2 tablespoon cornstarch. Cover and toss gently until all the tofu has been coated.
- Place tofu into an air fryer and cook for 5 minutes at 425˚F. Then toss and cook for another 5 minutes or until desired crispiness. *If you don't have an air fryer, pan fry over medium in sesame oil to get crispy or bake if desired.
- While tofu is cooking, into a small bowl, add all your minced garlic, ¼ cup sesame oil, ⅓ cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and optional ½-1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce. Whisk together well.
- Right before tofu is done, add sauce to a skillet over medium heat and let cook until it begins to thicken. Add in the crispy tofu and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat all the tofu with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and serve over rice or other optional dish.
One head of garlic? Are you sure? Added when?
Hi! Yes, I’m sure. But you’re right that the wording on when to add was a little confusing. I’ve rewritten for easier instructions
We made this and loved it! I didn’t a combination of tofu and cauliflower. Baked the cauliflower while I pan fried the cornstarch covered tofu. Served it with brown rice and side of spicy sautéed morning glory (similar to spinach). Kids gobbled it up!
Thrilled to hear that and what a great idea with the cauliflower! Thanks for taking time to leave a review, we appreciate it so much
Made this over the weekend, soooo tasty and unbelievably crispy! Baked in the oven, used no oil, and the sauce is amazing, it’s delicious I doubled the recipe to eat every day for lunch! : )
This recipes was so easy and sooo delicious I made enough to take for lunch every day! And even though it was baked, it came out so crispy which is a big plus, less calories no oil frying!
We’re so happy to hear Lisa! Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to leave a review! We appreciate it so much
I made this today and yum! Added some veggies that I had in the fridge and the sauce recipe is a keeper. This will be going in the rotation!