Spicy Honey-Glazed Tofu

Make sure you’re using firm tofu for this recipe, and not silken tofu.

Firm tofu is harder and drier, and it doesn’t fall apart when you stir it.

Firm tofu itself can come in different types: medium-firm, firm, or extra-firm — so check the packaging when you buy it.

We used medium-firm tofu as we like the tofu bites a bit softer and spongier. But if you like a firmer, crispier finish, opt for extra firm tofu instead.

Also, before you dice it, you can optionally sandwich the tofu block between two chopping boards lined with kitchen paper and press down to squeeze out more moisture.

This step will make the tofu drier, so it will have a firmer consistency once cooked.

You could also try this recipe with tempeh, following our crispy tempeh nuggets or buffalo tempeh wings recipes.

Tempeh is like a cake of tightly packed, fermented soybeans. It’s super healthy and incredibly nutritious!

Because this glazed tofu recipe is all about the honey sauce, we recommend using a type of honey that’s very aromatic for extra flavour.

So, try swapping the usual, mild acacia honey with more flavourful honey varieties. Here are some ideas:

• Chestnut honey — dark and nutty;

• Buckwheat honey — molasses-like colour and strong taste;

• Orange blossom honey — citrusy notes;

• Eucalyptus honey — fresh, menthol-like, and herbal;

• Or maple syrup if you’re looking for a vegan option.

As we made the recipe while in Thailand we used a local honey made from the flowers of the logan fruit. It’s very floral, sweet, and herbal — quite similar to eucalyptus honey!

Also, try to use raw, unfiltered honey if you can as it retains more nutrients and beneficial compounds than commonly processed honey.

Fiery Thai red chillies are the go-to choice for this sweet and spicy glaze.

Also called bird’s eye chillies, Thai chillies are very spicy, thin red chillies that are widely used in Asian spicy sauces.

You should be able to find them at big supermarkets or at your local Asian food store.

If you can’t get Thai chillies, you can opt for red jalapenos (which are used to make the famous spicy Sriracha sauce).

If you think Thai chillies are too spicy for you, you can scrape away the seeds before using them or add them whole.

Dried red chillies or chilli flakes are an alternative to fresh red chillies. Replace each Thai red chillies with half dried chilli or half a teaspoon of chilli flakes.

In the recipe, we’ll stir-fry the honey tofu bites in a hot wok, but you can also bake them in the oven if you prefer.

To do it, follow the same steps of this baked miso-marinated tofu recipe, but omit the water from the sauce ingredients or the glaze will be too watery.