LunchDinnerMain Course

Crispy Sesame Tofu

Name: Crispy Sesame Tofu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: chinese
Ingredients: 400 g firm tofu pressed and cubed; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 4 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 clove garlic minced; 0.5 tsp ginger grated; 1 tsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water; 1 tbsp sesame seed toasted (optional); 1 pcs green onion sliced (optional)

This recipe features pan-fried tofu cubes coated in a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy sesame sauce. It's a quick and easy vegan meal that's satisfying and full of flavor. Serve it over rice or with your favorite stir-fried vegetables.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 35 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 253 kcal

Vegetarian

Allergen information: may contain gluten, sesame, and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

400 gfirm tofu, pressed and cubed
2 tbspcornstarch
3 tbspvegetable oil

sauce

4 tbspsoy sauce
2 tbsprice vinegar
2 tbspmaple syrup
1 tspsesame oil
2 clovegarlic, minced
0.5 tspginger, grated
1 tspcornstarch
2 tbspwater

garnish

1 tbspsesame seed, toasted(optional)
1 pcsgreen onion, sliced(optional)

Equipment

small bowl · whisk · medium bowl · large non-stick skillet

The method

Step by step

1
Gently press the firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Pressing the tofu is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
2
In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes with the cornstarch until evenly coated.
About 2 min
3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
About 1 min
4
Add the coated tofu to the hot skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook’s note: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
5
Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
About 15 min
6
While the tofu cooks, prepare the sauce: whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl.
About 3 min
7
In a separate tiny bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: This slurry will thicken the sauce.
8
Once the tofu is crispy, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
9
Pour the prepared sauce into the hot skillet.
10
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry.
About 1 min
11
Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 1-2 minutes.
About 2 min
12
Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat thoroughly with the sauce.
About 1 min
13
Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion, if desired.

Per serving

Nutrition

63%Score

Calories: 253kcal
Protein: 9.6g
Carbs: 15.7g
Fat: 17.7g
Fibre: 0.9g
Sugar: 6.9g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover crispy sesame tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave, though it may lose some crispness.