5.0 from 246 votes
Spicy Garlicky Sesame Tofu (30 Minutes!)
Crispy baked tofu coated in a sweet, spicy, garlicky sesame sauce. Vegan, gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and ready in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 345 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Chinese , Vegan
Ingredients
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
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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
% 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% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.