Crispy Five-Spice Tofu with Maple Soy Glaze

This crispy tofu delivers an explosion of flavor with minimal effort, featuring a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The exterior is delightfully crunchy while the inside remains tender, creating an irresistible texture contrast that makes this dish absolutely addictive.

Ingredients

• 1 block extra-firm tofu ((14 oz))
• 2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 clove garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions (sliced)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Drain tofu and wrap in paper towels. Place a heavy object on top and let sit for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes and place in a bowl.
3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, five-spice powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Sprinkle the cornstarch mixture over the tofu and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add tofu in a single layer and cook without disturbing for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
7. Flip tofu pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes until crispy on all sides.
8. While tofu is cooking, in a small bowl whisk together minced garlic, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
9. Once tofu is crispy, reduce heat to medium-low and pour the sauce over the tofu.
10. Gently toss to coat the tofu in the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
11. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Notes