Crispy Sesame Tofu with Sticky Spicy Sauce Recipe
This sesame tofu recipe features crispy baked tofu cubes coated in a sticky, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy sesame sauce. The dish is vegan, satisfying, and perfect for a flavorful dinner that comes together easily on the stovetop after baking the tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus 10 minutes to press tofu
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
For the tofu:
- 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare and bake tofu: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss the pressed tofu cubes with olive oil and salt, then spread them evenly on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake for 10 minutes, flip the cubes, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the tofu is golden and crisp on the edges.
- Heat aromatics: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until they are fragrant and aromatic.
- Make the sauce: Stir in soy sauce, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, and sriracha if using. Mix to combine all ingredients well.
- Thicken the sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce while stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine tofu and sauce: Add the baked tofu cubes into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the tofu pieces evenly with the glossy sauce.
- Finish cooking: Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors and ensuring everything is heated through.
- Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot. This dish pairs well over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Press the tofu for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture for maximum crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and sriracha based on your preferred spice level.
- Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free if desired.
- For extra crispiness, you can air fry the tofu cubes instead of baking.
- This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully in a skillet.
