Crispy Tofu With Maple-Soy Glaze

Crispy pan-fried tofu cubes glazed in a sweet and savory maple-soy sauce with a hint of ginger and heat from red pepper flakes. A perfect vegetarian main dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and Asian garnishes.

4 servings
35 min

Ingredients

  • 1 block firm tofu
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 3 Tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 piece ginger
  • ½ cup neutral oil
  • 1 serving Kimchi
  • 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 Tbsp hijiki
  • ¼ cup daikon
  • 2 Tbsp sliced scallions
  • 2 cups steamed rice

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Drain tofu, then sandwich between several layers of kitchen towels to remove excess liquid. Cut into 9 cubes.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Whisk soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and ginger in a small bowl.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. When oil is rippling across the surface, carefully add tofu so it doesn't splash. Cook, undisturbed, until very crisp and dark brown underneath, 3-4 minutes. Carefully turn and repeat on opposite side. Holding tofu back with a spatula or slotted spoon, pour out oil into a small bowl. Return skillet to medium-high heat and add soy sauce mixture. Cook, reducing heat to medium so it doesn't over-reduce or burn and basting tofu occasionally, until glaze is thick enough to coat a spoon, about 4 minutes.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    Divide tofu among plates. Drizzle with glaze, then top with scallions. Serve with rice alongside.

    5 min