Spicy Garlicky Sesame Tofu (30 Minutes!)

Name: Spicy Garlicky Sesame Tofu (30 Minutes!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 serving
Ingredients: 1 (14-16 oz / 397-453 g) package super firm high-protein tofu*; 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 3 Tbsp maple syrup; 2 ½ Tbsp tamari or soy sauce; 4 tsp rice vinegar; 4 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 2 large cloves garlic, grated or pressed; 1/4 cup sesame seeds; 1 Tbsp cornstarch*; 1 Tbsp water; thinly sliced green onions; Brown, white, or cauliflower rice; steamed broccoli

User Reviews

5.0

246 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4
Calories
345 kcal
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
Chinese, Vegan

Spicy Garlicky Sesame Tofu (30 Minutes!)

Valerie Marks

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Crispy baked tofu coated in a sweet, spicy, garlicky sesame sauce. Vegan, gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and ready in just 30 minutes!

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Ingredients

Servings

TOFU

1 (14-16 oz / 397-453 g) package super firm high-protein tofu*
1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil
1/4 tsp sea salt

SAUCE

3 Tbsp maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
2 ½ Tbsp tamari or soy sauce (gluten-free as needed)
4 tsp rice vinegar
4 tsp toasted sesame oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 large cloves garlic, grated or pressed
1/4 cup sesame seeds

TO THICKEN SAUCE

1 Tbsp cornstarch*
1 Tbsp water

FOR SERVING optional

thinly sliced green onions
Brown, white, or cauliflower rice
steamed broccoli

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Instructions

If serving with rice, cauliflower rice, or steamed broccoli, begin preparing at this time. Cook the rice on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or in a rice cooker. Steam the broccoli in a steamer basket set over boiling water for ~4-6 minutes, or until tender but still a vibrant green color. Otherwise, move on to the next step.
TOFU: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (218 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Crumble the tofu into pieces 1/2 to 1 inch in size and arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Add oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to evenly coat the tofu. Once the oven is preheated, bake for 10 minutes, flip with a spatula, and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the tofu is a little firm and golden with crispy edges.
SAUCE: To a medium saucepan, add the maple syrup, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Meanwhile, to a small bowl, add the cornstarch and water and stir to combine. Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch mixture, stir, and continue simmering, stirring occasionally until the sauce becomes thick like honey — about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame seeds. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more maple syrup for sweetness, tamari for overall flavor, garlic for zing, or red pepper flakes for heat. Set aside.
Once the tofu is golden brown, place it into the sauce and stir to fully coat. Serve warm with rice, steamed vegetables, or other sides for a tasty meal!
You can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. If it becomes too thick, add a bit of water when you reheat it in a saucepan. Otherwise, the cooked dish is best when fresh.

Notes

*If you can’t find super firm tofu, extra firm or firm tofu will work in this recipe. If using extra firm or firm tofu, wrap it in an absorbent towel and set something heavy on top — like a cast iron skillet — to press out extra moisture for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, use a tofu press. Then proceed with step 2.*If you want to replace the cornstarch with arrowroot starch, use only half the amount. It will look a little goopy, which isn’t as appetizing, but it still tastes good!*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without optional ingredients.*Inspired by Allrecipes’ Sesame Chicken.

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Serving 1serving Calories 345 (17%) Carbohydrates 16.4g (5%) Protein 20.7g (41%) Fat 22.4g (34%) Saturated Fat 3.8g (19%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g Monounsaturated Fat 4.7g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Sodium 795mg (33%) Potassium 249mg (7%) Fiber 3.7g (15%) Sugar 9.3g (19%) Vitamin A 12IU (0%) Vitamin C 0.5mg (1%) Calcium 138mg (14%) Iron 4.6mg (26%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 345 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving	1serving
Calories	345	17%
Carbohydrates	16.4g	5%
Protein	20.7g	41%
Fat	22.4g	34%
Saturated Fat	3.8g	19%
Polyunsaturated Fat	2.8g	16%
Monounsaturated Fat	4.7g	24%
Trans Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	795mg	33%
Potassium	249mg	5%
Fiber	3.7g	15%
Sugar	9.3g	19%
Vitamin A	12IU	0%
Vitamin C	0.5mg	1%
Calcium	138mg	14%
Iron	4.6mg	26%