Description
This Pan-Fried Sticky Garlic Tofu with Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe offers a deliciously crispy tofu coated in a sweet and savory garlic sauce, perfectly complemented by caramelized, flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts. A healthy and satisfying plant-based meal that’s simple to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Sticky Garlic Tofu
- 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- 1 lb (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, if using. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
- Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sprouts are crispy and golden brown on the edges.
- Prepare the Tofu: While the Brussels sprouts roast, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy.
- Make the Sticky Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for a balance of savory sweetness and tang.
- Glaze the Tofu: Pour the prepared sauce over the crispy tofu in the pan. Stir well to coat all tofu cubes evenly. For a thicker, stickier sauce, sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and stir to combine. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
- Serve: Plate the sticky garlic tofu alongside the roasted Brussels sprouts. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu well before cooking removes excess moisture and helps achieve a crispy texture.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- Maple syrup makes this recipe vegan, while honey is a suitable alternative for non-vegans.
- Optional garlic powder and smoked paprika add extra flavor depth to the Brussels sprouts.
- Garnishes like sesame seeds or green onions add color and texture but can be omitted.
- Keep tofu pieces evenly sized for uniform cooking and crispiness.
