Crispy Sesame Tofu

4.91 from 11 votes

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.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Chinese

Diet: Vegan

Servings:

Calories: 220kcal

Author: Iosune

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

US Customary - Metric

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.

Nutrition