• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Plant Based Jess
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Summer Recipes
  • Recipes
  • About
  • 📧 Subscribe
  • Contact me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Summer Recipes
    • Recipes
    • About
    • 📧 Subscribe
    • Contact me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Index » Main dish

    Easy Hoisin Tofu

    Published: Jun 18, 2023 · Modified: Aug 17, 2023 by Jessica

    JUMP TO RECIPE PIN SHARE

    This ultra simple and quick hoisin tofu makes for the best weeknight dinner recipe. It is very flavorful, so easy to make, high in plant-based protein and super satisfying. Made using only a few ingredients and it's 100% vegan.

    View on a bowl filled with ramen noodles, broccoli and a saucy hoisin tofu.

    I am so obsessed with any kind of saucy Asian tofu recipe.

    I already have a few of them my website because I make them often, at least once a week. One of my all time favorite is this tofu stir-fry with bok choy or this gochujang tofu, which has a little spicy twist to it. Or I'll make this sweet and sour tofu often too during the weeknights: it so quick and a little sweet too, which my kids adore.

    A saucy sweet and savory Asian sauce is what any tofu skeptic needs to love tofu more!

    Anyway, I am obviously always looking for more of those type of recipes, so I made a super simple hoisin tofu dinner the other day that we all absolutely loved. So I made it again to share here with you guys!

    And I am not kidding when I say it is super simple. This recipe definitely was made for those weeknight dinners when you need something fast and tasty to feed your family.

    The sauce highlights hoisin, which is an Asian condiment you can find anywhere, but also includes garlic, soy sauce, a little sesame oil, sweetener and a touch of sriracha (optional). Even though it is super straightforward, the sauce is SO good and has that perfect balance of tangy vs sweet vs umami that's so addictive.

    Plus it really is done super quickly: you can start by roasting cubes of tofu in the pan (10 min), which will give you plenty of time to whisk a few ingredients to make the Asian hoisin sauce. Once the tofu is done to your taste, then simply pour the sauce in the pan and let it thicken (1-2 minutes). So technically, this super flavorful hoisin tofu recipe should be ready within 15-20 minutes!

    This is a high-protein vegan recipe, thanks to the firm tofu, that's satisfying and will keep you full for a while. Also makes for a great recipe to serve to anyone, whether they are vegan or not, they will love it!

    Serve over noodles or rice with a side of veggies for a filling, fully plant-based and super delicious dinner. I hope you give it a try! ❤️

    View on a quick and easy hoisin tofu topped with sesame seeds.

    Highlights of this recipe

    • Quick and easy recipe perfect for the whole family
    • Versatile ways to serve it: over rice bowls, in sandwiches, with noodles, etc.
    • So straightforward + simple yet bold in flavors, thanks to the hoisin
    • Makes for an amazing weeknight dinner
    • Crispy glazed outside and soft tender middle
    • Make more to have yummy leftovers, they store well!
    • Loaded with plant-based protein
    • 100% vegan and can be made gluten-free

    What is hoisin sauce

    Hoisin is a thick and dark Cantonese sauce used in marinades, to make dipping sauce, used in stir-fries and much more. It tastes sweet and salty at the same time and has a very unique flavor.

    It is made out of fermented soybeans, garlic, spices, starches, sugar and vinegar. There are many different kinds of hoisin sauces: some are already made for dipping (usually sweeter) and some are used as a condiment to add to marinades (usually more savory and less sweet).

    You can find hoisin in most grocery stores in the Asian section.

    Ingredients you'll need

    • Tofu: use extra-firm tofu for best chewy and crispy result.
    • Hoisin sauce: I used the hoisin sauce from the brand 365 that I got at Whole Foods, but simply use one that you can find.
    • Garlic: garlic is incorporated in the sauce and won't cook for very long, so I used only 1 clove. If you really love the taste of garlic, then simply add more!
    • Soy sauce: adds more umami and salty flavor.
    • Maple syrup: preferred sweetener for this recipe, it adds such an amazing caramelized flavor that pairs well with the hoisin. You will have to adjust how much to add depending on how sweet your hoisin sauce already is.
    • Sesame oil: you can omit it if you want to make this recipe oil-free, but I love sesame oil in Asian sauces for the nutty flavor it brings. A little goes a long way, so you won't need very much!
    • Sriracha: optional. Omit if making this recipe for kids or if you are sensitive to spicy food.
    Showing are the ingredients needed to make this recipe.

    How to make hoisin tofu

    I would recommend to start by prepping the other ingredients you want to serve the hoisin tofu with, especially if serving over brown rice and roasting/steaming veggies. The hoisin tofu will be ready under 20 minutes!

    Roast the tofu

    Drain and pat dry the tofu well. You can roll it in a clean hand towel or a few layers of paper towels and then gently press on it to remove the extra moisture. Then, slice the tofu to your desired shape, I like to cube it for this recipe.

    Warm up a large non-stick pan with a little oil and then add the tofu. Cook for about 8-10 minutes flipping once in a while. The tofu is done roasting when crispy and golden brown on most sides.

    Add the sauce and serve

    While the tofu is roasting, then whisk the sauce ingredients together in a bowl (hoisin, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, sesame oil, sriracha (if using)).

    When the tofu is done to your liking, then turn down the heat. Once the pan isn’t as hot anymore, then pour the hoisin sauce over the pan. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce is thick to your liking (turn the heat back up if needed, lowering the heat prevents large splatters).

    In process picture: view on a bowl with ingredients for an Asian sauce.
    In process picture: close up on a pan cooking some tofu.
    In process picture: sauce pouring over roasted tofu in a pan.
    In process picture: close up on a pan cooking saucy tempeh.

    Helpful tips

    • For a crispier tofu, then you will can use more oil. You can also coat the tofu in cornstarch first (check out this tofu bok choy stir fry recipe to see how I do this), although will get softer fairly quick after combined with the sauce. Drying the tofu really well and using a cast-iron pan can also help crisp it better.
    • To make a quick dinner recipe, then you can use frozen brown rice (that thaws and warms up within a few minutes) and frozen veggies, such as broccoli, beans, carrot, cauliflower, etc. Simply roast/steam the vegetables while the tofu is cooking.
    Close up on a pan cooking a saucy hoisin tofu.

    Serving suggestions

    For a tasty dinner, simply serve this hoisin stir fry over rice or noodles with a side of veggies. As seen in the pictures, I chose ramen and broccoli and it was great. Udon, quinoa, vermicelli, barley would all be perfect too.

    Other vegetables that would pair well are bok choy, cauliflower, shiitake mushroom and Chinese broccoli.

    You can top with chives or green onions and also, for a nice crunch, top with toasted cashews or peanuts.

    You can also serve this saucy tofu different ways, such as:

    • Peanut butter: hoisin sauce works amazingly with peanut butter, as seen in my hoisin peanut butter sauce. So, feel-free to top a bowl of vegan peanut noodles for a good match in flavors and to add more protein to your meal.
    • Salads: top Asian style salads to make it more filling, such as this Asian carrot cucumber salad or this edamame crunch salad.
    • Wraps: Use this recipe to fill up lettuce or tortilla wraps! Add some crunchy purple cabbage, peanuts and sliced cucumber. Delicious!
    • Bowls: Similarly to this teriyaki baked tofu bowl, add this saucy hoisin tofu over buddha bowls or grain bowls with rice and crunchy romaine. Also include some veggies, edamame, green onions and drizzle extra sriracha over, if desired.
    • Rolls: Use it as your protein to include in summer rolls. Simply slice the tofu in sticks instead of cubes for rolling purposes.
    • Sandwiches: You can also slice the tofu in a cutlet shape instead and use this recipe to make sandwiches!
    Close up on a saucy hoisin tofu in a bowl with ramen and broccoli.

    Variations to the recipe

    This recipe is highly customizable and you should make sure to taste the sauce to adjust ingredients to your taste before adding it to the pan. Don't forget that hoisin sauces vary widely in flavor and some sauces are super sweet and others not that much. Because of that, you will likely have to adjust the amount of maple syrup.

    Also, I included some sriracha sauce to my recipe, which added flavor with a very mild spicy taste that was mostly undetectable. But, you can omit all together, especially if serving for kids, or simply add more if looking for a spicier sauce.

    You can also include some fresh grated ginger, which would work well with the flavor profile of this recipe

    Storage tips

    This hoisin tofu stores pretty well, although the initial crispy texture will be lost overtime as the tofu will absorb more of the sauce while resting. But, it will still be delicious!

    Keep in an air-tight in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and simply reheat using the microwave. If you prefer to reheat on the stove, then you might need to add a splash of water to the pan so it does not dry out.

    Chopsticks taking a pieces of hoisin tofu from a bowl.

    FAQ's

    Is hoisin always vegan?

    Yes, store bought hoisin sauces are usually naturally vegan, although I recommend to always check the ingredient list.

    Can I bake the tofu instead of roasting in the pan?

    You can bake the tofu in the oven, although you will still have to make the sauce on the stove. To make it that way, then bake the cubes of tofu on a baking sheet in a pre-heated oven (400º) for about 25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping half way through. Meanwhile, whisk the sauce ingredients in a small pot and heat up on medium-high heat until thicker. Then, simply combine the baked tofu with the warm sauce and serve.

    How can I make this recipe oil-free?

    Simply omit the sesame oil in the sauce recipe and roast the tofu without oil in a non-stick pan. The tofu won't get as crispy, but it will work and be just as delicious!

    Do I have to press the tofu?

    I didn't press the tofu this time, especially since I didn't marinate it. But, be sure to pat dry as well as you can to remove the extra moisture, it will crisp better that way!

    Is this recipe gluten-free?

    No, hoisin sauces are often thickened with a wheat product, making them not gluten-free. That being said, there are some GF hoisin sauces you can find, such as this hoisin from the brand San-J. If making this recipe gluten-free, then be sure to also use a GF tamari sauce.

    Similar recipes

    • Sticky tempeh
    • Gochujang tofu
    • Easy pan-fried tempeh
    • Spicy orange cauliflower
    • 20-Min sticky tofu
    • Vegan tikka masala
    • Healthy vegetable stir-fry
    • Thai basil tofu stir fry

    I hope you like this hoisin tofu recipe as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let me know how it was. Your feedback is so helpful!

    Let's stay in touch with Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. Also, don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter to be sure not to miss anything.

    📖 Recipe

    Chopsticks taking a pieces of hoisin tofu from a bowl.

    Easy Hoisin Tofu

    5 from 1 vote
    This ultra simple and quick hoisin tofu makes for the best weeknight dinner recipe. It is very flavorful, so easy to make, high in plant-based protein and super satisfying. Includes only a few ingredients and it's 100% vegan.
    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time20 minutes mins
    Servings 2
    Author Jessica Laroche

    Ingredients
      

    • 14-16 oz extra firm tofu
    • ¼ cup hoisin sauce
    • 2 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1-2 tbsp maple syrup - or more to taste (this depends on how sweet your hoisin sauce is)
    • 1 large clove of garlic - crushed
    • 1 tsp sesame oil
    • 1 tsp sriracha sauce - optional (omit if sensitive to heat)

    Instructions
     

    • Drain and pat dry the block of tofu as well as you can using a clean towel.
    • Warm up a large non-stick pan with a little oil (I use an oil spray) and then, add the cubed tofu. Cook on medium-high heat flipping once in a while until golden brown on most sides, about 10 minutes.
    • Meanwhile, whisk the sauce ingredients together (hoisin, maple syrup, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil and sriracha, if using). Then, taste the sauce and see if it needs more sweetener (some brands of hoisin aren't that sweet while others are super sweet already).
    • When the tofu looks done to your liking, then turn down the heat. Wait a minute and then, pour the sauce over (if the pan is too hot, it will splatter a lot!). Stir constantly and keep cooking (you can turn the heat back up) until the sauce thickens to a glaze and coats the tofu nicely, which should only take 1-2 minutes.
    • Remove from the heat and serve over rice or noodles with a side of veggies.

    Video

    YouTube video

    Notes

    • Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat using the microwave or on the stove (add a splash of water if necessary). 
    • You can also serve this hoisin tofu recipe over buddha bowls, salads and in sandwiches. Check out the blog post for more details!
    • Nutrition: please note that the nutritional information is an estimate per serving provided for informational purposes only (calculated by software) and accuracy is not guaranteed. Consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if you need precise nutrition calculations for health reasons.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1741mg | Potassium: 416mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg
    CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES!
    SHARE BY TEXT SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE BY EMAIL

    Pin it for later!

    Pinterest picture showing a bowl of saucy tofu with an overlay text saying: "Hoisin Tofu".

    More Vegan Lunch and Dinner Recipes

    • A bowl of sesame ginger tofu over rice with a side of beans.
      Sesame Ginger Tofu
    • A vegan taco casserole with a portion taken out to show the middle consistency.
      Vegan Taco Casserole (Mexican Lasagna)
    • Red pesto gnocchi garnished with basil on a plate.
      Creamy Red Pesto Gnocchi
    • Sliced bean and rice enchiladas in a baking dish with a creamy cheesy sauce coming out.
      Black Bean and Rice Enchiladas

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anonymous says

      July 06, 2024 at 6:19 am

      5 stars
      This was great. I doubled the sauce and added cauliflower to it. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        July 06, 2024 at 7:23 am

        I'm glad you liked it!!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    ABOUT JESS


    Profile picture for Plant Based Jess in the kitchen.

    Hi there! I’m Jessica, a pasta obsessed French Canadian now living in beautiful Maine. I’m a mom of two, experienced foodie and ninja meal planner. I believe everyone can make stress-free plant-based meals with wholesome ingredients that your family and friends will love. 

    Join me in my kitchen to discover fun and creative recipes or click to find out more. Welcome!

    CONNECT WITH ME


    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    ☀️ SUMMER RECIPES


    • White bowl with creamy pesto rigatoni garnished with roasted tomatoes.
      Creamy Pesto Rigatoni with Roasted Tomatoes
    • Recipe for vegan Elote showing 4 corn cobs with Mexican mayo and cilantro over a plate.
      Easy Vegan Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
    • Vegan Caesar salad topped with Cajun tofu.
      Vegan Caesar Salad with Cajun Tofu
    • View on a bowl of mango corn salsa on a platter with tortilla chips.
      Mango Corn Salsa
    • View on a vegan vegetable sandwich on a cutting board with roasted tomato, cucumber and avocado.
      Roasted Tomato Sandwich with Vegan Aioli
    • Overhead view on a few pieces of vegan bruschetta made with tomato, basil and balsamic vinegar.
      Easy Vegan Tomato Basil Bruschetta

    POPULAR RECIPES


    • Overhead view on a dark plate filled with 3-ingredient almond flour peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk on the side.
      3-Ingredient Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
    • View on a glass of passion fruit mocktail with fresh passion fruits on the side.
      Passion Fruit Mocktail
    • Showing is a homemade easy buckwheat bread that's about half sliced. There are a few slices around the bread that are topped with peanut butter, yogurt and fruits.
      Easy Buckwheat Bread (No yeast, No kneading!)
    • There is a large spoon taking some oven-roasted potatoes and broccoli from a sheet pan.
      Oven-Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli
    • Front angle view on a kale tonic with lemon juice.
      Kale Tonic (First Watch Copy Cat Recipe)
    • Front angle view on a small jar of flaxseed pudding layered with strawberry jam and fresh blueberries.
      Flaxseed Pudding

    Footer

    Copyright © 2021 Plant Based Jess

    Privacy Policy