This crispy sesame tofu is so good, even tofu skeptics will love it!
It’s golden brown, crunchy on the outside, and full of delicious sesame flavor.
Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Pair it with rice, noodles, or veggies for a family-friendly dinner that everyone will enjoy!
What You’ll Need
For the Crispy Tofu:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp oil (avocado or sesame)
For the Sesame Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Pro Tips
- Press the tofu! Removing excess water makes it crispier. Use a clean kitchen towel and a heavy pan if you don’t have a tofu press.
- Coat evenly! Toss the tofu well in cornstarch to get an even crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Give the tofu space to crisp up properly.
- Use a nonstick pan! This helps prevent sticking and makes flipping easier.
- Adjust sweetness! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the maple syrup/honey slightly.
Tools You’ll Need
- Knife & cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Large nonstick pan
- Spatula
- Whisk
Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-Free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- No maple syrup? Use honey or brown sugar.
- No cornstarch? Use arrowroot powder or potato starch.
- Spicy Kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Press and cube the tofu ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
- Pre-mix the sauce and keep it in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
How to Make Crispy Sesame Tofu
1. Press and Cube the Tofu
Press the tofu for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
2. Coat the Tofu
In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Cook the Tofu
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
4. Make the Sesame Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce.
5. Combine Tofu & Sauce
Pour the sauce over the crispy tofu in the pan. Stir well to coat evenly, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the tofu. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan or air fryer to keep it crispy.
- Avoid microwaving—it will make the tofu soft.
Final Thoughts
This crispy sesame tofu is an easy, delicious way to enjoy tofu! It’s packed with flavor, simple to make, and perfect for busy nights. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments! Happy cooking! 😊✨