If you love sweet, savory takeout-style dinners, this Sesame Tofu is about to become a regular in your house! The tofu turns perfectly crispy and gets tossed in a sticky sesame garlic sauce that’s amazing served with broccoli and rice.
Looking for more tofu recipes? You need to try our Creamy Tofu Pasta Sauce as well as our Crispy Bang Bang Tofu and our Silken Tofu Chocolate Mousse!
Why you’ll love this simple tofu recipe
Growing up, sesame chicken was my GO TO take out order and asa vegetarian, I still find myself craving it on a REGULAR basis. Luckily, this sesame tofu totally satisfies that craving and I’m sure you and your whole family will absolutely love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Better than takeout – bold sesame, garlic, and ginger flavors with the perfect sticky sauce.
Crispy tofu every time – the cornstarch coating helps the tofu turn golden and crunchy!
Two cooking methods – make this sesame tofu in the air fryer or pan fry it on the stove.
Protein-packed vegetarian dinner – tofu keeps this meal satisfying and filling.
Easy weeknight meal – the whole dish comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients needed
The ingredients for this recipe are listed fully down in the recipe card but let’s briefly go over the pantry staples needed including a few substitutions you can make as desired!
For the sticky sesame sauce
Toasted sesame oil – Adds deep nutty sesame flavor to the sauce. A little goes a long way.
Soy sauce – Provides the salty umami base for the sauce. Tamari or coconut aminos also work.
Brown sugar – Balances the savory flavors and creates that classic sweet sesame glaze. You could try substituting it with maple syrup or honey.
Garlic + fresh ginger – Fresh minced garlic adds sharp, aromatic flavor and the ginger pairs perfectly with the sesame flavors.
Rice vinegar – Adds a little acidity to balance the sweetness.
Cornstarch + water – Helps thicken the sauce so it coats the tofu beautifully.
For the Tofu
Extra-firm tofu – Pressing the block of tofu removes excess liquid so it can crisp up properly. I’m also a HUGE fan of super-firm tofu because it’s higher in protein and does NOT need to be pressed.
Soy sauce – Lightly seasons the tofu before cooking.
Olive oil – Helps the tofu brown and crisp while cooking.
Cornstarch – The secret to crispy tofu.
Salt & black pepper – Simple seasoning that enhances the tofu’s flavor.
Broccoli (optional) – Adds color, nutrients, and makes this feel like a full sesame tofu stir fry.
For serving – sesame seeds and green onions
How to Make It
Just a reminder that you can find the FULL written sticky sesame tofu recipe down in the recipe card, but I want to quickly go over how to make them with visuals for you 🙂
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients.
Cut or tear the tofu into bite sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Toss with the soy sauce and olive oil. Then sprinkle on the cornstarch and salt and toss to coat the tofu. Cook the tofu in a large skillet on the stove or in the air fryer (in a single layer) until golden brown.
In a large skillet (the same one you cooked the tofu in if you pan fried it), heat the sauce over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring often, for 3-5 minutes of until the sauce begins to thicken.
Add in the cooked tofu and toss to coat in the sauce. Remove from the heat and serve with broccoli and white rice (or brown rice) plus a good sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Recipe Tips
Press your tofu well. Removing extra moisture (either using a tofu press or paper towels and a heavy object) helps the tofu crisp up instead of steaming. Alternatively, use spuer firm tofu that does NOT need to be presse.d
Tear the tofu instead of cutting it for more jagged edges that get extra crispy. Trust me – it’s SO much better than tofu cubes!
Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer. Cooking in batches gives the tofu room to crisp.
Let the sauce thicken before adding the tofu so it coats the pieces evenly.
Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
More tofu recipes you’ll love:
Sesame Tofu
Ingredients
For the sauce:
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil¼ cup soy sauce3 tablespoons brown sugar2 cloves of garlic minced1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced or grated1 tablespoon rice vinegar2 teaspoons cornstarch2 tablespoons water
For the Tofu
14-16 oz block extra-firm tofu pressed1 tablespoon soy sauce½ tablespoon olive oil2 tablespoons cornstarch¼ teaspoon Salt and black pepper to taste3 cups broccoli florets optional
Instructions
Notes
If using super firm tofu, no need to press it first.
Storage Instructions – Store leftover sesame tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. The tofu will soften slightly but will still taste delicious.
Nutrition
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