Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that's not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare? Say hello to "Quick and Easy Sesame Tofu" — a delightful Asian-inspired recipe that’s bursting with flavor and can be whipped up in just 25 minutes! Whether you're a tofu novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe will have you savoring crispy, golden cubes of tofu coated in a sweet and savory sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a healthy meal or a satisfying vegetarian option, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details and discover how to make this culinary masterpiece!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in clean kitchen towels or paper towels, place a heavy skillet or cutting board on top, and let it sit for 15 minutes to drain excess water.
- While the tofu is being pressed, prepare the sauce by whisking together sesame oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, and minced garlic in a small bowl until well combined.
- Cut the pressed tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of additional sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning gently to create a golden-brown crispy exterior.
- Once the tofu is crispy and golden, pour the prepared sauce over the tofu, ensuring each cube is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the tofu during the last minute of cooking to toast them lightly.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or with your favorite side vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Press Your Tofu: Don’t skip the pressing step! Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that crispy texture. If you have a tofu press, it can make this process even easier.
- Uniform Cubes: Cut your tofu into even 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown crust all around.
- High Heat is Key: Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the tofu. This helps to create that crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- Gentle Turning: When flipping the tofu, use a spatula to gently turn the cubes. This prevents them from breaking apart and ensures they stay intact.
- Sauce Timing: Pour the sauce over the tofu only after it’s crispy. This allows the tofu to absorb the flavors without getting soggy.
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: For an extra layer of flavor, toast your sesame seeds in the pan for a minute or two before adding them to the tofu.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your sesame tofu over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
