Description
This Easy Vegan Honey Mustard Tofu recipe delivers a crispy, golden tofu coated in a tangy and sweet honey mustard sauce made with maple syrup. Perfectly cooked using your choice of air frying, baking, or pan frying, this dish is a quick and flavorful vegan option ideal for a healthy, satisfying meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 (12-16 ounce) block super-firm tofu (or extra-firm tofu)
- 3 Tablespoons corn starch (or tapioca starch)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (or preferred cooking oil/spray)
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 3 Tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Press the Tofu: If using extra-firm tofu, press it to remove excess moisture by wrapping in a tea towel or paper towels and placing a tofu press or a heavy chopping board on top for about 10 minutes.
- Rip the Tofu: Tear the pressed tofu into roughly one-inch pieces for bite-sized portions.
- Coat with Starch and Seasoning: Place the tofu pieces into a bowl or container with a lid, add the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper, then shake or toss until all tofu pieces are evenly coated.
- Cook the Tofu: Choose your cooking method:
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place tofu in the basket, spray or toss with oil, and cook for approximately 15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread tofu evenly on a greased or lined baking sheet, spray or toss with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Pan Fry: Heat a medium-large skillet over medium-high heat with enough olive oil to make a shallow layer. When hot, add tofu and fry for 5-10 minutes, turning to crisp all sides, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Prepare the Sauce: While tofu cooks, whisk together dijon mustard, maple syrup, and white vinegar in a medium bowl until smooth and combined.
- Toss Tofu in Sauce: When tofu is cooked and crisp, toss gently in the honey mustard sauce to coat evenly.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately for best texture. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, preferably keeping sauce separate to maintain crispy tofu.
Notes
- Pressing tofu is recommended for extra-firm tofu to remove water and improve texture.
- You can choose air frying, baking, or pan frying based on your preferred method or appliance availability.
- Keep the sauce separate from the tofu if storing leftovers to keep tofu crispy.
- This recipe uses maple syrup as a vegan substitute for honey.
- Ensure to shake or toss tofu during cooking to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
