Sesame Tofu
Crispy, pan-fried tofu cubes tossed in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame sauce. This popular Chinese-American dish is a fantastic vegetarian weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes and perfect with steamed rice.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tofu
- b.After pressing the tofu, cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- c.In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of cornstarch and the white pepper.
- d.Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and toss gently until each piece is evenly and lightly coated. This is key for a crispy exterior.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Sesame Sauce
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of the toasted sesame seeds. Set aside.
- c.In a separate tiny bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to create a slurry. This will thicken the sauce later.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Tofu
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of cornstarch sizzles immediately.
- c.Carefully place half of the coated tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- e.Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy tofu to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining tofu.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Carefully pour out most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 teaspoon behind.
- c.Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in the prepared sesame sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- d.Whisk the cornstarch slurry again, then pour it into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- e.Turn off the heat. Add the crispy tofu back to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece in the sauce.
- f.Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest tofu, use a tofu press or wrap the block in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan when frying. Frying in batches ensures each piece gets evenly crispy.
- 3To save time, you can prepare the sauce while the tofu is frying.
- 4Add the fried tofu to the sauce just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
- 5For a deeper flavor, toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Stir-fry some broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas in the skillet after frying the tofu and before adding the sauce.
Make it SpicyMake it Spicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Gluten Free VersionGluten-Free Version
Ensure you use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, but check the label for cross-contamination warnings if you are highly sensitive.
Baked TofuBaked Tofu
For a lower-fat version, toss the coated tofu with 1-2 tablespoons of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein
Tofu is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent protein source for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to reduce meat consumption.
Supports Heart Health
Soy isoflavones found in tofu may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Using heart-healthy oils and low-sodium soy sauce further contributes to the cardiovascular benefits of this dish.
Rich in Minerals
Tofu is a good source of essential minerals like manganese, calcium, and selenium, which are important for bone health, antioxidant defense, and metabolic function.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Sesame Tofu contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific brands of ingredients used.