This honey miso glazed tofu has become a go-to for our meatless nights—it’s one of my kids’ absolute favourites! They devour it every time, and it feels great to see them enjoy something that’s not only tasty but also packed with wholesome ingredients. The tofu soaks up that sweet and savoury glaze, making each bite delicious. When my little one told me he loved it, I had one of those proud parenting moments like, “Yes! Nailed it!”

I’m excited to share this recipe with you all. Tofu is such a versatile ingredient we use often, and this honey miso glazed version has quickly become a family favourite.

Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients! For this honey miso glazed tofu recipe, you won’t need anything too fancy or hard to find. Here’s what you’ll need for both the crispy tofu and the delicious glaze:

Crispy Tofu:

• Organic extra firm tofu: This forms the hearty base of the dish. Look for firm or extra firm tofu for the best texture.
• Nutritional yeast: My mom always taught me to use nutritional yeast in cooking so I add it to any dish I can. For this dish, it adds a slight savoury, to the tofu, giving it that extra oomph. When combined with other dry ingredients like cornstarch, nutritional yeast can help create a crispy outer coating on the tofu when fried or baked, adding texture and mouthfeel to the dish.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior when frying the tofu, ensuring each bite is perfectly crunchy.
• Cooking spray or oil for pan frying or air frying: Just a touch of oil is all you need to achieve that crispy golden exterior.

Honey Miso Glaze:

• Miso paste: The star of our glaze, miso paste adds a rich umami flavour that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully when cooked, adding a luscious sweetness to our glaze. I like to use raw honey cause it’s thicker and more viscous, which helps it coat the tofu more evenly.
• Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds depth and saltiness as well as some colour to the glaze, balancing out the sweetness of the honey.
• Rice vinegar: A hint of acidity from rice vinegar brightens up the flavours of our glaze.
• Ginger (optional): Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick and aromatic flavour to the glaze.
• Garlic: Garlic lends its savoury goodness to the glaze, enhancing its overall depth of flavour.
• Goji berries (dried and optional): Goji berries are sweet and add a unique twist to the glaze, as well as a delightful chewy texture. I add them in for some extra health benefits.
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish: These finishing touches not only add visual appeal but also bring a pop of freshness and crunch to our dish.

What I love most about these ingredients is their simplicity and accessibility. You can easily find them at your local grocery store, and most of them may already be in your pantry!

Decoding Miso: Flavours and Uses

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made by fermenting soybeans, along with other grains like rice or barley, and salt with a mold called koji. The type of miso can vary based on the ingredients used and the length of fermentation. Here are some common types of miso:

1. Shiro Miso (White Miso): Made from fermented soybeans and a large proportion of rice, shiro miso has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and light colour. It ferments for a shorter period, typically around 2-8 weeks. Shiro miso is often used in light soups, dressings, and marinades.
2. Aka Miso (Red Miso): Aka miso is darker in colour and has a stronger, more robust flavour compared to shiro miso. It’s made with a higher proportion of soybeans and ferments for a longer period, usually around 6 months to several years. Aka miso adds depth of flavour to hearty soups, stews, and braised dishes.
3. Awase Miso (Mixed Miso): Awase miso is a blend of different types of miso, typically shiro and aka miso, to achieve a balanced flavour. It offers a combination of the sweetness of white miso and the richness of red miso. Awase miso is versatile and can be used in various dishes, including soups, marinades, and glazes.
4. Genmai Miso (Brown Rice Miso): Genmai miso is made with soybeans and brown rice, giving it a nuttier flavour and darker colour compared to shiro miso. It undergoes a longer fermentation process, resulting in a rich and complex taste. Genmai miso is often used in hearty soups, sauces, and marinades.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

As always, I love to include a section about the health benefits of the ingredients used. It’s not just about enjoying a delicious meal; it’s also about nourishing our bodies with wholesome ingredients that contribute to our overall well-being.

• Firm tofu: Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it beneficial for muscle repair and growth. It also contains essential amino acids, calcium, and iron, supporting bone health and oxygen transport in the body.
• Nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast is packed with B vitamins, including B12, which is essential for nerve function and DNA synthesis. It also provides antioxidants and may support immune function and energy production.
• Miso paste: Miso paste is a fermented food rich in probiotics, which promote gut health and digestion. It also contains plant compounds called isoflavones, which may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve heart health.
• Honey: Raw honey retains more of its natural nutrients and enzymes compared to processed honey, which is heated and filtered. Raw honey is a natural sweetener with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains antioxidants that may protect against cell damage and support overall health.
• Ginger and garlic: Both ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They may help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Goji berries: Goji berries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin C and beta-carotene. They may help improve immune function, protect against oxidative stress, and support eye health.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving up this honey miso glazed tofu, the options are endless! Here are a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

• Over Rice: Serve the tofu over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty and satisfying meal. Brown rice, jasmine rice, or sushi rice all make excellent options.
• With Noodles: Toss the glazed tofu with cooked noodles, such as soba noodles or udon noodles, for a delicious and comforting dish.
• In a Salad: Add some of the tofu to a vibrant salad for a burst of flavour and protein. It pairs beautifully with crisp greens, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing.

To elevate the presentation and flavour of your dish, consider adding these garnishes and toppings:

• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the glazed tofu for a nutty and aromatic finish.
• Chopped Green Onions: Add a pop of colour and freshness with chopped green onions sprinkled on top.

This tofu dish has the perfect mix of sweet and savoury flavours, with a satisfyingly crispy texture. It’s the kind of meal that can spice up any kitchen and make mealtime more exciting! It’s especially great for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying. Feel free to tweak the glaze to match your preferences—adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness to make it just right for you.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Your feedback is always appreciated, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences with me. Thank you for your interest and support. Happy cooking!