Ready for a mouthwatering meal? Make this Crispy Sesame Tofu with this super easy recipe. In just 30 minutes, you'll have tofu that tastes amazing, all thanks to a sweet and savory sesame sauce.
Whether you're a tofu aficionado or just looking to switch up your weeknight meals, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Crispy outside, tender inside, and that sesame sauce? Pure magic.
Plus, it's all ready in just 30 minutes, making it a convenient dinner option for busy days. Say goodbye to bland tofu and hello to a dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
Want more tofu recipes? Try my Tofu Scramble, Tofu Stir Fry, and Marinated Tofu for a satisfying meal. With tofu, the options are endless, and there's always something new to discover!
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🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of crispy tofu and sweet-savory sesame sauce creates a taste sensation that you'll crave again and again.
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.
- Healthy Option: Tofu is a nutritious plant-based protein that's low in calories and packed with essential nutrients like iron and calcium.
- Family-Friendly: Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this recipe is a hit with everyone, making it perfect for family meals.
- Budget-Friendly: Tofu is an affordable protein option, making this recipe not only delicious but also budget-friendly for any meal plan.
🧾 Ingredient notes
Firm Tofu: Opt for firm or extra firm tofu in this recipe, steering clear of silken tofu as it tends to crumble easily.
I prefer firm tofu because it retains more moisture, resulting in a tender texture compared to extra firm tofu, which can sometimes be drier.
Soy Sauce: You can use tamari for a gluten-free version and coconut aminos for a soy-free and gluten-free option.
Cornstarch: Alternatively, you can use arrowroot starch, tapioca starch, or potato starch as substitutes.
Oil: Feel free to use your favorite oil. I personally like using canola oil for its neutral flavor, but other options include olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil.
Maple syrup: Other alternatives include agave syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, or date syrup for a natural sweetness.
Vinegar: I've used rice vinegar in this recipe as it adds a delicious touch to Asian-inspired dishes.
However, you can also use other types such as apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or any vinegar of your choice.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📋 Variations
- Spicy Sesame Tofu: Add some heat by incorporating chili flakes or sriracha into the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Ginger Sesame Tofu: Infuse extra flavor by sautéing minced garlic and ginger along with the tofu, and enhancing the sauce with these aromatic ingredients.
- Sesame-Crusted Tofu: Instead of coating the tofu in cornstarch, try using a mixture of breadcrumbs and sesame seeds for a crunchy crust.
- Peanut Sesame Tofu: Give it an Asian twist with a hint of Peanut Butter in the sauce for a creamy, deliciously savory version of this classic dish.
- Orange Sesame Tofu: Add a zesty twist by incorporating orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice into the sauce for a citrusy flavor boost.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1. Press the tofu (just wrap the tofu in a clean towel and apply a steady weight to squeeze out moisture). This step is optional but highly recommended.
Step 2. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined.
Step 3. Whisk together the slurry ingredients in a small bowl, then pour the mixture into the sauce bowl. Stir until well combined.
Step 4. Cut the tofu into cubes and place them in a large ziplock bag (or bowl). Pour in the soy sauce, close the bag, and gently shake to coat.
Step 5. Add the cornstarch, close the bag, and gently shake to coat again.
Step 6. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides.
Step 7. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook until it thickens.
Step 8. Serve immediately, garnished with the sesame seeds.
💭 Expert tips
- Cornstarch Coating: Coating the tofu in cornstarch before frying creates a crispy outer layer. Ensure each tofu cube is evenly coated for consistent crispiness.
- Proper Oil Temperature: Check the oil temperature by adding a tofu cube, it should sizzle immediately. Hot oil ensures a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the tofu cubes in batches if necessary, ensuring there is enough space between them in the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to soggy tofu.
- Sauce Thickening: If the sauce doesn't thicken to your desired consistency, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce while simmering.
- Garnish Just Before Serving: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the finished dish just before serving to maintain their crunchiness and enhance the presentation.
❓Recipe FAQs
Sesame tofu can typically last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
However, for the best taste and texture, it's ideal to consume it within the first 2 to 3 days.
While you can freeze sesame tofu, its texture may change slightly upon thawing, becoming a bit softer than when fresh.
To freeze, place the cooled tofu in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it gently on the stove or in the oven.
Pressing tofu is recommended to make sesame tofu.
It helps to remove excess moisture from the tofu, allowing it to absorb more flavor from the sauce and achieve a firmer texture when cooked.
However, if you're short on time, you can skip pressing the tofu, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly softer and it may not absorb the flavors as well.
The simplest method is to utilize a non-stick pan.
If opting for a wok, skillet, or standard pan, preheat it on the stove for 1-2 minutes before adding the oil, ensuring ample coverage across the bottom of the pan.
Additionally, it's crucial to allow the tofu cubes time to naturally release from the pan.
As they cook and achieve a golden brown hue, they'll naturally detach from the surface.
It pairs perfectly with various sides, creating a balanced meal. Try serving it with Roasted Broccoli for a crunchy texture and earthy flavor.
Alternatively, stir-fried vegetables or a vibrant Asian Slaw offer a delicious accompaniment.
For a comforting option, serve the tofu over steamed rice or quinoa, or toss it with soba noodles in a sesame-soy sauce.
A simple mixed greens salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the tofu dish.
🌱 More vegan tofu recipes
Did you like this recipe? Please leave a rating and comment below!
📖 Recipe
Crispy Sesame Tofu
Ingredients
For the sesame tofu:
- 1 block firm tofu, about 14 ounces or 400 grams
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil, I used canola oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vinegar, I used rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the slurry:
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Press the tofu (just wrap the tofu in a clean towel and apply a steady weight to squeeze out moisture). This step is optional but highly recommended.
- Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined.
- Whisk together the slurry ingredients in a small bowl, then pour the mixture into the sauce bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Cut the tofu into cubes and place them in a large ziplock bag (or bowl). Pour in the soy sauce, close the bag, and gently shake to coat.
- Add the cornstarch, close the bag, and gently shake to coat again.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook until it thickens.
- Serve immediately, garnished with the sesame seeds.
Notes
- Cornstarch Coating: Coating the tofu in cornstarch before frying creates a crispy outer layer. Ensure each tofu cube is evenly coated for consistent crispiness.
- Proper Oil Temperature: Check the oil temperature by adding a tofu cube, it should sizzle immediately. Hot oil ensures a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the tofu cubes in batches if necessary, ensuring there is enough space between them in the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to soggy tofu.
- Sauce Thickening: If the sauce doesn't thicken to your desired consistency, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce while simmering.
- Garnish Just Before Serving: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the finished dish just before serving to maintain their crunchiness and enhance the presentation.
Carolyn says
Yum yum
Iosune says
Hi Carolyn! Thanks for your comment 🙂
JoAnn Byrne says
Best.Tofu.Ever that I have made! Thank you for this amazing, easy to follow and absolutely delicious recipe! Trying the general tso's next
Iosune Robles says
Hi! Thanks for your kind comment 🙂 Hope you enjoy it!
Arifa says
This turned out delicious! Will definitely be making again (and will have to make double the amount cause it’s gone quick!) I used honey as my sweetener.
Iosune Robles says
Hi Arifa! I'm so glad you liked it 🙂 I encourage you to use a plant-based sweetener next time!
Delea says
Super yummy, I wish I would have made more than one block!! Haha thank you!
Iosune Robles says
Hi Delea! I'm so glad you liked it 🙂
Abyelle C says
Was very delicious.
Iosune Robles says
Hi Abyelle! So glad you liked it 🙂
Duncan says
I often add more spice, either hot pepper or other to the sauce, but main thing I wanted to note:
is that putting the tofu in air fryer, then doing the sauce in skillet and adding the crisped Tofu to it to coat and thicken a little... Often also add some veg like cauliflower, peas, broccoli, or peppers...
thanks for the recipe
Iosune Robles says
Hi! Sounds so good 🙂