Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks with Teriyaki Sauce
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
298 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Asian
Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks with Teriyaki Sauce
Description
This recipe starts with firm tofu pressed and sliced into thick steaks, then seasoned with salt and pepper. Each slice is dredged in flour, dipped in beaten egg, and coated generously with a mixture of white and black sesame seeds, ensuring a uniform crust. Crispy garlic is prepared separately by frying garlic slices in oil until golden and served as a crisp garnish.
The tofu steaks are pan-fried over medium-high heat to crisp the sesame coating, including searing the edges by standing the slices on their sides, developing a crunchy texture all around. The accompanying teriyaki sauce combines soy sauce, mirin, cooking sake, and water, simmered to meld flavors. The final dish is garnished with crispy garlic and green onion, providing varied textures and a fresh finish. This tofu dish emphasizes contrasting textures between the firm interior and crunchy sesame crust alongside a tastefully balanced sauce.
Serving this tofu hot preserves the crisp sesame coating and enhances the contrast of textures. It can be accompanied by steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal. The recipe notes highlight using true extra-firm or hard tofu to prevent breakage and recommend using authentic Japanese ingredients for the sauce to achieve the right flavor balance. The dish is best fresh but can be reheated briefly to revive the crust.
Ingredients
- 4 extra firm tofu cut into 10 x 5 x 1.5cm slices (4 x 2 x 0.6"), 100g / 3.5oz each (Note 1, or hard tofu
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp flour , plain/all purpose
- 1 egg , lightly whisked
- 4 tbsp white sesame seeds (Note 2) (yes, you really need 4 tbsp!)
- 4 tbsp black sesame seeds (Note 2)
- 2 tbsp canola oil or vegetable oil
- 2 garlic finely sliced 1mm thick (optional, Note 2, cloves
- 1 green onion , finely sliced (for garnish)
Teriyaki Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce , preferably Japanese all-purpose, else light soy sauce (Note 4)
- 2 tbsp mirin , preferably Japanese (Note 5)
- 2 tbsp cooking sake , preferably Japanese (Note 6)
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Sesame coating:
- Season tofu: Pat tofu dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Prepare crust coating: Place flour, egg and sesame in separate bowls (medium shallow bowls or tupperware best).
- Sesame crust: Press tofu into flour, shake off excess. Dip in egg, then let excess drip off before coat in sesame seeds, pressing to adhere all over. Repeat with remaining tofu.
Cooking:
- Crispy garlic: Heat oil in a non stick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Cook tofu: Turn heat up to medium-high. Place tofu in skillet and cook for 1 1/2 minutes until the sesame smells nutty and becomes crisp. Turn carefully and cook the other side for 1 1/2 minutes. Then use tongs to prop the tofu steaks up on its sides to sear the edges until crisp - about 30 seconds each side should do it (see video for my technique).
- Drain: Remove tofu to paper towel lined plate.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Lower heat to medium then add Teriyaki Sauce ingredients. Simmer for 1 minute until it reduces to a syrupy consistency, then remove skillet from stove.
- Serve: Place tofu steak on plate. Spoon over Teriyaki Sauce (it clings to sesame, don't worry, crust stays crispy). Sprinkle with garlic and green onion. Devour, then declare, "I LOVE TOFU!!".
Notes
- Use extra-firm or hard tofu blocks for slicing like steaks without crumbling.
- Both white and black sesame seeds provide visual contrast and flavor; either alone also works.
- Prepare crispy garlic separately to garnish and add crunchy texture.
- Use authentic Japanese soy sauce, mirin, and cooking sake for best teriyaki flavor.
- Best served fresh to maintain crispy sesame crust; reheat briefly in pan if needed.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 298 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 298cal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 41mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 736mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 129mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 91IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 295mg | 30% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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