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Homemade Asian Garlic Tofu photo

Asian Garlic Tofu

A quick, savory garlic-tofu dish with a sticky hoisin-soy glaze perfect for serving over rice.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

  • Plate
  • Paper Towels
  • heavy weight or cast-iron skillet for pressing
  • Medium Bowl
  • Knife
  • cast iron or skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package super firm tofu
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • green onions for garnish
  • rice for serving

Instructions
 

  • Remove the tofu from its packaging and place it on a plate lined with about 4 layers of paper towels; cover with more paper towels and set a heavy weight (or a cast-iron pan) on top to press out moisture. Let sit 30 minutes.
  • While the tofu presses, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until combined.
  • Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the sauce; toss gently to coat and let marinate 30 minutes.
  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the tofu pieces in a single layer and sear without moving until bottoms are nicely browned, then flip and sear the other sides until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes total.
  • Drizzle the sesame oil over the seared tofu, remove from heat, and transfer to a serving dish.
  • Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve immediately with rice.

Notes

  • Pressing tofu removes excess water for better searing.
  • Marinate tofu for 30 minutes for more flavor.
  • Use a hot, well-seasoned pan to get a good sear.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to taste.