Sticky Sesame Tofu Recipe
Introduction
Sticky Sesame Tofu is a delightful plant-based dish that combines crispy tofu cubes with a flavorful, glossy sesame sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep and offers a satisfying balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 16 ounces super firm tofu, cubed and pressed
- 2 tablespoons high heat oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ lime
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup sliced green onion (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 tablespoons soy sauce and 4 tablespoons cornstarch. Add the cubed tofu and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl or jar, mix together ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, juice of ½ lime, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and 2 tablespoons sesame seeds. Stir well and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons high heat oil in a large pan over high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook until most sides are golden and crispy, turning as needed.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to a simmer and pour the prepared sauce over the tofu. Cover with a lid and cook for 2-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the tofu.
- Step 5: Serve the sticky sesame tofu hot or cold. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and sliced green onion if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, press the tofu for at least 30 minutes before cubing to remove excess moisture.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover sticky sesame tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the tofu crispy, or microwave covered for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use firm tofu instead of super firm?
Yes, firm tofu can be used, but pressing it well is important to remove excess moisture. Super firm tofu holds its shape better and crisps up more easily.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegan and plant-based, using only tofu and plant-based ingredients in the sauce.
PrintSticky Sesame Tofu Recipe
Sticky Sesame Tofu is a deliciously crispy and flavorful plant-based dish, featuring super firm tofu coated in a savory soy and cornstarch mixture, then pan-fried to golden perfection and simmered in a sticky, tangy sesame sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and lime. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a great option for a quick vegan meal or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Tofu Coating
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 16 ounces super firm tofu, cubed and pressed
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons high heat oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup sliced green onion (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Coat the tofu: In a large bowl, combine 4 tablespoons soy sauce and 4 tablespoons cornstarch. Add the cubed and pressed tofu, stirring gently to ensure each piece is fully coated. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl or jar, mix together ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, juice of half a lime, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and 2 tablespoons sesame seeds. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- Pan-fry the tofu: Heat 2 tablespoons of high heat oil in a large pan over high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated tofu cubes. Cook, turning occasionally, until most or all sides turn golden brown and crispy.
- Simmer with sauce: Reduce the heat to a low simmer and carefully pour the prepared sauce over the tofu. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 2 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the tofu evenly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the sticky sesame tofu hot or cold, garnished with additional sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- Press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture for crispier results.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to taste.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent sticking during frying.
- This dish stores well and can be enjoyed cold as a salad topping or warmed up.
- For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Keywords: Sticky Sesame Tofu, crispy tofu, vegan tofu recipe, sesame sauce, quick vegan dinner, pan-fried tofu
