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–+ servings
Whole brown sugar glazed tofu roast with caramelized crosshatch pattern, sliced on a white plate
Callie Brooks

Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu

This sticky-sweet, crispy tofu recipe is packed with umami, quick to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing tofu skeptics. With a rich brown sugar glaze and golden baked tofu, it’s plant-based perfection in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 315
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block extra firm tofu, pressed
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (for tofu coating)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (for glaze)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • scallions, for garnish (optional)
  • sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • mixing bowl
  • parchment paper
  • skillet
  • spatula
  • tofu press or heavy pan

Method
 

  1. Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then tear into irregular chunks for better texture and crispiness.
  2. Toss tofu with 1 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  4. In a skillet, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened into a glaze.
  5. Add baked tofu to the pan and toss to coat all pieces in the glaze.
  6. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 20gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 920mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 310mgIron: 3.6mg

Notes

Air fry for extra crispiness. Reduce brown sugar for a lighter glaze. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds for maximum flavor and presentation. Pairs great with rice, noodles, or veggie bowls. Store tofu and glaze separately for best reheating results.

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