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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Meatless / Crispy Sesame Tofu

    Crispy Sesame Tofu

    Posted: Oct 12, 2022 Last Modified: Oct 12, 2022 by Carmy · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This crispy pan-fried Sesame Tofu recipe is like a party in your mouth. It’s crispy, savoury, and sweet. Made with simple pantry staples, this plant-based tofu recipe is perfect for any meal of the day.

    If you think tofu is boring, then I’m here to change your mind with this recipe. It’s so crispy, so you feel like you’re eating something indulgent, and the sauce is so good that you’ll want to lick the plate clean.

    Close up of a bowl of rice with sesame tofu.

    Because these tofu cubes are coated in cornstarch before being pan-fried in oil, I highly recommend you press your tofu beforehand so excess moisture is released. This way, the tofu can get crispier and stay crispy! The linked post will show you how to press your tofu without using a tofu press.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Ingredients needed to make crispy sesame tofu.
    • extra firm tofu — make sure to press the tofu beforehand.
    • cornstarch — the cornstarch coating will make the tofu crispy, and additional cornstarch will thicken the sauce.
    • oil — I use olive oil but you can use any neutral oil.
    • garlic — freshly minced garlic is ideal as I’m not a fan of pre-minced garlic.
    • soy sauce — use low sodium soy sauce.
    • sesame oil — I like pure sesame oil, but toasted sesame oil is fine as well.
    • maple syrup — be sure to use real maple syrup and not pancake syrup.
    • mirin — mirin is a Japanese sweet rice wine, if you are unable to find it, you can try rice vinegar with extra honey.
    • sesame seeds and green onions as garnish.

    How to Make Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu

    cornstarch slurry.
    sesame sauce in bowl.
    • Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a cornstarch slurry.
    • Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, mirin, and 1 tablespoon of water to the slurry. Stir until combined. Set aside for later.
    tofu coated in cornstarch.
    tofu pan fried.
    tofu with sesame sauce.
    • Coat the cubed tofu with cornstarch.
    • Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large non-stick pan and add the tofu in a single layer. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden.
    • Lower the heat to low, re-whisk the sauce from earlier, and then add the sauce to the pan. Toss to coat and cook until the sauce is thickened and fully coating the crispy tofu cubes.

    Recipe Tips and Notes

    • Make sure the heat is lowered before adding the sauce, as the sauce can cook too fast before the tofu gets coated.
    • Make sure not to overcrowd the tofu. Use the largest pan you have. If the tofu cubes are touching, the cornstarch will cause them to stick together as it cooks.
    • If you prefer to bake the tofu, check out my Maple Soy Tofu recipe as it’s crispy but baked!
    • Always use extra-firm tofu. The softer the tofu, the more water content it has. They also won’t hold up well as you pan fry them.
    A bowl of rice with crispy pan fried sesame tofu on top.

    Make Ahead Tips

    • Meal prep: once cooled, store the crispy tofu in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. If you don’t let them cool, they will become soggy in the container. I meal prep my crispy tofu with jasmine rice but sesame tofu goes well with purple rice, coconut rice, and garlic scallion noodles as well.
    • Reheat: I love reheating these tofu in a container in the air fryer so they get even more crispy. Microwaving the sesame tofu will work as well.
    A bowl of rice with crispy pan fried sesame tofu on top.

    Sesame Tofu

    This crispy pan-fried Sesame Tofu recipe is like a party in your mouth. It's crispy, savoury, and sweet. Made with simple pantry staples, this plant-based tofu recipe is perfect for any meal of the day.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 15 mins
    Cook Time: 15 mins
    Total Time: 30 mins
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    For the Sauce

    • 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp cold water
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tbsp soy sauce, low sodium
    • 2 tbsp sesame oil
    • 2 tbsp maple syrup
    • 1 tbsp mirin
    • 1 tbsp water

    For the Tofu

    • 1 package extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
    • 2 tbsp cornstarch
    • 2 tbsp oil
    • sesame seeds and green onions, optional garnish

    Instructions

    • Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a cornstarch slurry. Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, mirin, and 1 tablespoon of water to the slurry. Stir until combined. Set aside for later.
    • Coat the cubed tofu with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
    • Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large non-stick pan and add the tofu in a single layer. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden.
    • Lower the heat to low, re-whisk the sauce from earlier and then add the sauce to the pan. Toss to coat and cook until the sauce is thickened and fully coating the crispy tofu cubes.
    Tried this recipe?Did you make this recipe? I’m always so happy to hear about it! I’d love to see how it turned out. Tag me at @CarmysHungry on Instagram so I can see it! If you enjoyed the recipe, I’d really appreciate a comment with a 5 star rating! ♥

    Nutrition Per Serving

    Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 364mg | Potassium: 199mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg
    Author: Carmy
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Asian

    More Tofu Recipes

    • Teriyaki Tofu
    • Maple Soy Tofu
    • Silken Tofu
    • Tofu Dumplings
    • Stir Fry Tofu with Vegetables
    • Air Fryer Tofu Cubes

    Other places to connect with me
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    Email: [email protected]

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    Carmy is a healthy-ish living blogger based in Ontario. Here, you can find healthy-ish meal prep recipes, Instant Pot recipes, and lightened up family favourites! Follow along as she shares what she learns along the way!

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