Sweet Tofu Recipe – Crispy, Sticky & Kid-Approved

sweet tofu recipe in a bowl with Asian greens

If you’re new to tofu or still sitting on the fence after a few “meh” experiences, let me stop you right there - this sweet tofu recipe will absolutely win you over!

I totally get it. Tofu has a bit of a reputation. Rubbery. Bland. Weird. That was me once too. When I first went vegan back in 2017, tofu was this mystery ingredient I kept seeing in recipes but had no idea what to do with. But once I cracked the code, especially when it comes to texture and flavour, tofu became one of the easiest, most affordable, and most versatile proteins in our kitchen.

Now this sweet tofu recipe? It’s one of those quick weeknight winners. It takes less than 15 minutes, uses pantry staples, and most importantly — it’s kid-approved. My boys smash this easy tofu recipe with some rice and greens. It’s crispy, saucy, sticky, and packed with flavour.

I can’t wait for you to try this one!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Tofu Recipe

Quick to make – ready in under 15 minutes
Kid-friendly flavour – sweet and savoury
Simple pantry ingredients – think maple syrup, soy sauce, tomato sauce
High protein & budget friendly
Great for meal prep and weeknight dinners

Whether you’re brand new to tofu or looking for an easy tofu recipe that actually tastes good, this one’s for you.

How to coat tofu - Easy and fool proof method that always works!

Here’s the Best Way to Coat Tofu

Here’s one of my all-time favourite tofu tips - I promise this will change the way you cook tofu forever:

The best way to coat tofu is with cornflour.

Why?

It crisps up way better than regular flour
It forms a golden crust that holds any sauce
It keeps the inside soft while the outside gets deliciously crunchy
It helps the sauce cling instead of sliding off

And here’s the easy coating hack I swear by:

Pop your cubed tofu into a container with a lid, add the cornflour, close it up and give it a good shake.

That’s it. Every piece gets evenly coated. No messy fingers, no tofu sticking to bowls, and no stress.

Perfect tofu coating every time.

Tofu Sauce Breakdown – Sweet, Sticky, and Simple

This sauce comes together in minutes and uses ingredients you likely already have:

Maple syrup
Soy sauce
Tomato sauce
Garlic + ginger
Water

As it cooks, the sauce thickens and hugs the crispy tofu, coating it perfectly with all of those delicious sweet and savoury flavours.

Can You Meal Prep This Tofu Recipe?

Absolutely! While tofu is crispiest fresh from the pan, leftovers still taste amazing. You can:

Reheat in the microwave or pan
Serve cold in lunch bowls or wraps
Make a double batch for lunch the next day

We often keep a container of it in the fridge for emergency snack attacks — even the kids love it cold.

What to Serve With this Sweet Tofu Recipe

Keep it classic with:

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
Green veggies like broccoli, bok choy, or beans
Rice noodles or vermicelli bowls

Or try it these ways:

In a bao bun with pickled veg
Stuffed into a wrap with crunchy slaw
As a filling in a tofu poke bowl

Extra Tips for Perfect Tofu

Use firm or extra firm tofu – silken won’t work here
Press tofu for 10–15 minutes if you have time (or use a tofu press)
Pan-fry in a neutral oil like rice bran or sunflower for best results
Don’t overcrowd the pan — you want that crisp on all sides
Don’t skip the shake-to-coat trick — it’s a game changer

Still Not Sure About Tofu?

If tofu’s still new to your kitchen, this recipe is the one to start with. It’s simple, flavour-packed, and it’s a guaranteed way to win over even the most sceptical tofu critics.

Tofu doesn’t have to be bland or boring — it just needs the right prep.

And once you nail that crispy coating with cornflour and taste that sweet sticky glaze? You’ll be hooked.

Once you’ve nailed this recipe, why not grow your tofu repertoire with some of my favourite tofu recipes, such as this Tofu Egg McMuffin or Tofu Scramble for some great breakfast choices, or try these great dinner ideas such as Glazed Baked Tofu or Maple Hoisin Tofu recipes.

Variations to Try Next Time

Add chilli flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat
Mix through toasted sesame seeds for crunch
Use teriyaki sauce in place of maple & soy for a different flavour twist
Add capsicum or snow peas for a full stir-fry style dinner

FAQ – Sweet Tofu Recipe

Can I air fry the tofu instead of pan frying?
Yes! Toss the coated tofu in your air fryer at 200°C for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I make this gluten free?
Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and you’re good to go.

How long does it keep in the fridge?
Up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Do I need to press the tofu?
If your tofu is firm, and you’re in a rush, you can skip it. But pressing always improves the texture. (I use the Tofuture tofu press if you’re after an easy tool!)

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