If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dinner that feels both comforting and exciting, you have to try this Pan-Fried Sticky Garlic Tofu with Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe. This dish brings together crispy, caramelized tofu coated in a luscious sticky garlic sauce alongside perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts that have that irresistible golden char. It’s a fantastic balance of textures and tastes, a true celebration of simple ingredients elevated to something memorable and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward and plays an essential role in bringing the dish to life. From the tofu’s firm texture to the Brussels sprouts’ caramelized edges, these basics come together beautifully.
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu: Pressed and cubed for the best pan-frying texture that crisps up delightfully.
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts: Trimmed and halved to roast evenly and taste nutty and caramelized.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Divided use to create crispiness on tofu and help the sprouts roast to perfection.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Coats the tofu to give it a beautiful crispy crust when fried.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce: Provides a savory, rich umami base for that sticky garlic tofu glaze.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Adds just the right touch of sweetness, balancing the savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a hint of tang to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star aromatic that infuses the tofu with bold, garlicky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Offers a subtle nutty fragrance that rounds out the sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat kick for those who love a bit of spice.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: A crunchy topping that also adds a lovely nutty note.
- Chopped green onions: Fresh and bright garnish that provides color and a mild onion flavor.
How to Make Pan-Fried Sticky Garlic Tofu with Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Brussels Sprouts
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and some freshly cracked pepper. Spread them in a single layer cut side down on a baking sheet. Roasting at this temperature for 20 to 25 minutes gives them a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the insides tender and slightly sweet. This roasting step is crucial for that perfect texture and caramelized flavor that complements the sticky tofu so well.
Step 2: Prepare the Tofu
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, pat your pressed tofu dry so it crisps better. Toss the tofu cubes gently with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This little coating trick is what ensures your tofu ends up with that wonderful golden crust when it hits the pan.
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Tofu
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Arrange the tofu cubes evenly in the pan and let them cook without moving them for a few minutes so they get nice and golden on one side. Turn occasionally until all sides are uniformly crispy, which usually takes 10 to 12 minutes. This pan-fried stage adds fantastic texture to the dish.
Step 4: Make the Sticky Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Once the tofu looks golden and inviting, reduce your heat to low and pour this sauce into the skillet. Stir gently to coat each tofu cube and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes deliciously sticky, enveloping every bite with garlicky sweetness.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Arrange the crispy tofu alongside the oven-roasted Brussels sprouts on plates. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top, adding bursts of texture and freshness that really bring this dish together.
How to Serve Pan-Fried Sticky Garlic Tofu with Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions might seem simple, but these garnishes really elevate the dish visually and add delightful bursts of flavor. The sesame seeds bring a toasty crunch, while the green onions give a mild, refreshing finish — perfect for balancing the rich sticky tofu glaze.
Side Dishes
This Pan-Fried Sticky Garlic Tofu with Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice or nutty quinoa, soaking up any leftover sauce perfectly and making the meal feel complete and satisfying. For a fun twist, serve it alongside a fresh cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables for contrast and zing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in a bowl topped with avocado slices and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added texture and creaminess. Or, arrange the tofu and Brussels sprouts over a bed of soba noodles and drizzle extra sticky sauce on top to turn it into a stunning, restaurant-worthy bowl meal. Your presentation can be as playful as your palate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be difficult!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after resting for a bit, but for best texture, enjoy within 2 to 3 days. Keep the Brussels sprouts and tofu separated if you want to maintain their crispness.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Brussels sprouts as their texture can change significantly, becoming mushy when thawed. However, the tofu can be frozen once cooked and sauced. Just cool it completely before freezing, then thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to enjoy later.
Reheating
Reheat the tofu and Brussels sprouts on a skillet over medium heat rather than microwaving to help maintain their crispiness. A quick sauté in a hot pan will revive the tofu’s sticky glaze and bring back the roasted flavor of the sprouts without them getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! While Brussels sprouts are fantastic for their robust flavor and texture, you could swap them for broccoli florets or green beans roasted in the same way for a similar crispy, caramelized side.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This recipe holds up well in the fridge and makes a handy lunch or dinner. Just store components separately if possible, and reheat as instructed for the best texture.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Yes! The recipe already includes crushed red pepper flakes as an option. Feel free to increase the amount, add a dash of sriracha, or sprinkle in some chili garlic sauce to amp up the heat according to your preference.
Do I need to press the tofu?
Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture and is a small extra step that makes a huge difference in getting crisp, golden tofu cubes. If you’re short on time, use extra-firm tofu and pat it very dry with paper towels as best as you can.
Can I substitute maple syrup with other sweeteners?
Yes, maple syrup is a delicious vegan option, but you can substitute honey if you’re not strictly vegan. Agave syrup or brown sugar also work nicely to achieve that lovely sticky glaze.
Final Thoughts
This Pan-Fried Sticky Garlic Tofu with Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is truly a winner for any night when you want a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture but is completely approachable to make at home. Its mix of crispy tofu coated in sticky, garlicky sauce paired with perfectly roasted veggies will have you feeling like you’ve treated yourself to something special, even on a weeknight. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try — it’s bound to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again!
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Pan-Fried Sticky Garlic Tofu with Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Pan-Fried Sticky Garlic Tofu with Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts is a flavorful vegan main course featuring crispy pan-fried tofu coated in a sticky garlic soy glaze, paired with perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts that are golden and tender. The dish combines savory, sweet, and slightly spicy elements for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Brussels Sprouts
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Brussels sprouts: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Spread them cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until they become crispy and golden brown.
- Prepare tofu: While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, pat the tofu cubes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Toss gently with cornstarch, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
- Pan-fry tofu: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and pan-fry, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Make sticky garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Coat tofu with sauce: Once tofu is golden, reduce the heat to low. Pour the garlic sauce into the pan and stir to coat the tofu evenly. Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a sticky glaze.
- Serve: Plate the sticky garlic tofu alongside oven-roasted Brussels sprouts. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey if you prefer a non-vegan option.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the tofu for 30 minutes in the sauce before cooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Roasting
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
