Crispy Sesame Tofu

Crispy Sesame Tofu is the perfect blend of crunch and flavor, ready in just 40 minutes. Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast of golden, crispy edges and tender, melt-in-your-mouth tofu.

The nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds pairs beautifully with a sweet and savory glaze, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or a skeptic, this recipe will win you over with its irresistible texture and bold, umami-rich taste.

With only 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, this dish is a weeknight lifesaver. The tofu’s crispy exterior gives way to a soft, pillowy center, while the sesame sauce adds a glossy, flavorful finish.

It’s a versatile meal that’s as delightful on its own as it is paired with rice or veggies. Simple, quick, and packed with flavor, this recipe proves that plant-based eating can be both easy and utterly delicious.

Ingredients for Crispy Sesame Tofu

• 7 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 4 (1/2-inch thick) slices
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (use tamari for gluten-free option)
• 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 (mixed for visual appeal)
• 1 egg, beaten
• Olive oil spray (for coating)
• Sriracha mayo:
  • 4 teaspoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• For serving:
  • 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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Place tofu slices on a kitchen towel or paper towels. Cover with another towel and press gently to remove excess water. Transfer to a shallow dish in a single layer.
2. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Drizzle half over the tofu, flip, and drizzle the rest. Marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Preheat your cooking appliance: Preheat an air fryer to 400°F or an oven to 350°F.
4. Coat the tofu: Place sesame seeds on a plate and beat the egg in a bowl. Remove tofu from marinade (discard excess), dip in egg, then coat with sesame seeds. Place on a plate and spray both sides with olive oil.
5. Cook the tofu:
   • Air fryer: Cook in batches for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
   • Oven: Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Make the sriracha mayo: Mix mayonnaise and Sriracha in a small bowl. Adjust spice level to taste.
7. Serve: Plate tofu with rice, snap peas, edamame, scallions, and a drizzle of tamari. Add sriracha mayo on the side.

Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas

While the sriracha mayo is a delicious addition, you can also try other sauces like a peanut sauce (mix 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp lime juice, and a splash of water) or a ginger soy glaze (simmer 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp grated ginger until thickened).

For toppings, sprinkle with crushed peanuts, toasted coconut flakes, or extra chopped scallions for added texture and flavor.

Quick and Easy Serving Suggestions

This Crispy Sesame Tofu pairs beautifully with Cilantro Lime Rice or Cauliflower Rice for a lighter option.

Add steamed snap peas and edamame for a pop of color and nutrients. For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce wraps or over a bed of mixed greens for a fresh, crunchy base.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tofu soggy. The sriracha mayo can be stored separately for up to a week.

Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks

To save time, press the tofu while prepping other ingredients or use a tofu press for quicker results. You can also marinate the tofu overnight for deeper flavor.

If you’re in a rush, skip the sesame seed coating and simply air fry or bake the marinated tofu for a simpler version.

Recipe Variations to Try

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you’re vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) to coat the tofu. You can also experiment with different seeds like chia seeds or hemp seeds for a unique twist on the coating.

Crispy Sesame Tofu

Amy

Crispy Sesame Tofu is the perfect blend of crunch and flavor, ready in just 40 minutes. With only 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, this dish is a weeknight lifesaver.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 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 clove garlic, 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

For serving

• 1 cup 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

Instructions

 

• 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.

Keyword crispy, sesame, tofu, vegetarian

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