Best 2 Crispy Sesame Tofu Recipes

Tofu, a versatile plant-based protein, takes center stage in this delightful Crispy Sesame Tofu recipe. Marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, the tofu is then coated in a crispy breading made with panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, and cornstarch. Pan-fried until golden brown and crispy, the tofu is tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce made with honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Served over steamed rice, this Crispy Sesame Tofu is a satisfying and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Additionally, this article also features recipes for a variety of dipping sauces that perfectly complement the crispy tofu, such as a creamy avocado sauce, a spicy Sriracha sauce, and a classic sweet and sour sauce. With its easy-to-follow instructions and mouthwatering flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CRISPY SESAME TOFU

Crispy Sesame Tofu image

This sesame tofu recipe is easy to make in the air fryer or oven, and it's crispy, nutty, and delicious! It comes from The Skinnytaste Air Fryer Cookbook by Gina Homolka.

Provided by Gina Homolka

Categories Main dish

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

7 ounces extra-firm tofu (drained and cut into 4 (1/2-inch thick) slices)
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
1 garlic clove (grated)
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/3 cup white and black sesame seeds
1 egg
olive oil spray
4 teaspoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
Cilantro Lime Rice or Cauliflower Rice
1 cup snap peas (steamed and chopped)
1/3 cup frozen edamame (steamed)
1 scallion (chopped)
tamari (for drizzling)

Steps:

Place the tofu slices on a kitchen towel or paper towels. Place another towel on top and lightly press to remove most of the water from the tofu. Transfer to a shallow dish big enough for the tofu to lie in a single layer.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Drizzle half of the marinade over the tofu, then gently flip and drizzle the rest on the other side. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat an air fryer to 400°F or preheat a regular oven to 350°F.
Place the sesame seeds on a small plate. In a small bowl, beat the egg. Remove each tofu slice from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off, then dip in the egg. Using a fork, dip in the sesame seeds, coating each side. Transfer to a plate. Spray one side with olive oil, then gently flip and spray the other side. (Discard the excess marinade.)
To make the tofu in an air fryer: Working in batches, arrange a single layer of the tofu in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until toasted and crisp.
To bake the tofu in the oven: Place the tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make the sriracha mayo. In a small bowl, mix together the mayo and sriracha.
Serve the tofu steaks with rice, snap peas, edamame, scallions, sriracha mayo, and tamari, for drizzling.

CRISPY SESAME TOFU

Crispy Sesame Tofu image

Using a nonstick skillet to make this dish will help the tofu brown evenly with less oil. Wiping the skillet with a paper towel after step 2 will keep the broccoli green.Tofu will take on the taste of whatever food it is cooked with. It is high in protein and is also a very good source of B vitamins and iron.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Dinner Recipes

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 one-pound block firm tofu
1/4 cup sesame seeds
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 head (about 1 1/4 pounds, stems and florets) broccoli, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Salt and fresh ground pepper

Steps:

Place block of tofu flat on cutting board; slice lengthwise into 4 equal pieces, then down the middle to make 8 squares. Place on baking sheet lined with three layers of paper towels; cover with three more layers. Place another baking sheet and a weight on top. Let tofu drain until towels are soaked, 5 minutes.
Spread the sesame seeds on a plate. Press both sides of each tofu square into sesame seeds. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil over medium heat. Cook tofu, until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Add the soy sauce; continue cooking, turning tofu, until it has absorbed all the liquid, about 1 minute. Remove from pan. Wipe skillet with a paper towel.
Add broccoli, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 cup water to skillet. Simmer, covered, until broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes. Divide among 4 serving plates; arrange 2 tofu squares on each. Drizzle with remaining tablespoon sesame oil. Serve.

Tips:

Choose extra-firm tofu: This type of tofu holds its shape better during cooking and will give you crispier results.
Press the tofu: Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, which helps it to absorb the marinade better and crisp up in the oven.
Marinate the tofu: Marinating the tofu in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic powder adds a delicious depth of flavor.
Coat the tofu in cornstarch: Coating the tofu in cornstarch helps it to get extra crispy in the oven.
Bake the tofu at a high temperature: Baking the tofu at a high temperature helps it to get crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Serve the tofu immediately: Crispy sesame tofu is best served immediately after it is cooked, while it is still hot and crispy.

Conclusion:

Crispy sesame tofu is a delicious and easy-to-make vegan dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is packed with flavor and has a satisfyingly crispy texture. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce or over rice for a complete meal.