22 March 2025

Sticky Lemon Tofu

If you think tofu is boring and tasteless, think again! This Sticky Lemon Tofu, glazed with a delicious citrusy sauce, is the perfect vegetarian alternative to classic sticky lemon chicken. Served with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies, it becomes a satisfying and healthier homemade meal—better than takeout. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get cooking!

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Sticky Lemon Tofu doesn’t have a long culinary history but takes inspiration from several Asian dishes, especially lemon chicken, a popular dish on many Chinese-inspired takeout menus. What makes this recipe special is the sauce, made with fresh lemon juice, honey, and soy sauce. As it cooks, the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze that adds depth to the crispy tofu cubes. These flavors are common in Cantonese cuisine, kwown for its delicate balance of sweet, sour, and savory ingredients.

This Sticky Lemon Tofu is a winning dish for many reasons. First of all, the crispy, golden tofu is coated in a light starch and sautéed in a pan before being combined with the sticky sauce. In this flavorful glaze, fresh lemon juice adds acidity, honey provides a touch of sweetness, and soy sauce brings umami depth. I like to finish it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, which add a pleasant crunch and a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet and tangy lemon sauce.

To store the Sticky Lemon Tofu properly and enjoy it the following days, place it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you want the tofu to stay crispy for longer, store the sauce separately in another container. When ready to reheat, toss the tofu in the sauce, while reheating it in a pan or microwave.

Ingredients for lemon tofu

Tofu: it’s crucial to choose a block of firm tofu, because silken tofu tends to crumble, making it difficult to achieve crispy cubes. Tofu has a neutral flavor, so you need to add a sauce, such as this sticky lemon seasoning, which it will absorb while sautéing in the saucepan.

Cornstarch: it acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, and when combined with liquid ingredients, it helps to create a glossy, thicker texture that clings to the tofu. Moreover, I also use the cornstarch to coat the tofu cubes before cooking them in the saucepan, which helps create a crispy exterior.

Lemon juice: it provides a fresh, zesty acidity that cuts through the richness of the crispy tofu and the sweetness of the sticky sauce. Moreover, lemon juice complements the savory umami of soy sauce and helps tenderize the tofu, making each bite more enjoyable with a delicate contrast between crispy and tender.

Soy sauce: it provides a rich, umami flavor as the base of the sauce, adding a savory note to balance the sweetness of ingredients like honey. Additionally, soy sauce adds color to the tofu, giving it a deep brown hue that makes the dish even more visually appealing.

Honey: it provides the primary sweet note, perfectly balancing the savory flavor of the soy sauce. Honey also complements the acidity of the lemon juice and contributes to the sticky texture of the sauce, helping it adhere to the tofu and creating a glossy finish.

Ginger: freshly grated ginger releases essential oils, adding freshness and elevating the overall eating experience with its aromatic base. Moreover, this ingredient has digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, making the dish even more nutritious.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to prepare crispy sweet tofu

Cut the drained block of tofu into cubes and place them in a bowl. Add soy sauce and gently toss to coat. Season the tofu with pepper and paprika, then add the cornstarch and stir until evenly coated.

Heat a saucepan over medium heat with olive oil. Once hot, add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides. Transfer the tofu to a plate and set aside.

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil along with grated garlic, ginger, and finely chopped shallots. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Add water, lemon juice, soy sauce to the pan, honey, stirring to combine.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2tbsp of water until smooth then pour this mixture into the saucepan and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky. Return the cooked tofu to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.

My tips for tender lemon tofu

Before cooking, press your tofu to remove excess moisture. This will help the tofu crisp up nicely and absorb the flavors of the sauce better.

For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give your dish a vibrant, tangy kick and enhance the overall flavor of the sauce.

For extra texture, lightly toast some sesame seeds before sprinkling them on top of the Sticky Lemon Tofu.

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with me tagging @nutritiouslysofia on Instagram!