This crispy sesame tofu is golden and crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a rich, flavorful sticky sauce. It’s the perfect plant-based meal, packed with protein and full of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables for a satisfying dish.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: ~350 per serving
Ingredients
For the Crispy Tofu
- 1 (14 oz) block firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (such as vegetable or avocado oil)
For the Sticky Sesame Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for extra depth)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
For Garnish
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tofu
Press the tofu for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into bite-sized cubes and place in a bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Cook the Tofu
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sticky Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce into the same pan used for the tofu and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
4. Coat the Tofu
Return the crispy tofu to the pan and toss it in the sticky sauce until fully coated. Let it cook for another minute to absorb the flavors.
5. Serve and Garnish
Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal
- Pair with steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas
- Add to a Buddha bowl with fresh veggies and avocado
Tips for Perfect Crispy Tofu
- Always press tofu to remove moisture for the crispiest results
- Use cornstarch to create a crispy outer layer
- Cook in a hot pan and avoid overcrowding to ensure even crispiness
- For extra crunch, air fry tofu at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through
This crispy sesame tofu with sticky sauce is a quick and easy dish bursting with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Enjoy it as a main dish or a flavorful addition to your favorite grain bowls.
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Crispy Sesame Tofu with Sticky Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This crispy sesame tofu is golden and crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a rich, flavorful sticky sauce. It’s the perfect plant-based meal, packed with protein and full of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Tofu
- 1 (14 oz) block firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (such as vegetable or avocado oil)
For the Sticky Sesame Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for extra depth)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
For Garnish
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tofu
Press the tofu for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into bite-sized cubes and place in a bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Cook the Tofu
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sticky Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce into the same pan used for the tofu and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
4. Coat the Tofu
Return the crispy tofu to the pan and toss it in the sticky sauce until fully coated. Let it cook for another minute to absorb the flavors.
5. Serve and Garnish
Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
- Always press tofu to remove moisture for the crispiest results
- Use cornstarch to create a crispy outer layer
- Cook in a hot pan and avoid overcrowding to ensure even crispiness
- For extra crunch, air fry tofu at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350 per serving