How to Make the Perfect Sticky Sesame Tofu
Asian-Inspired · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
Tender pan-fried tofu glazed in a rich sticky sesame sauce with a nutty aroma. This easy weeknight dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Sticky Sesame Tofu recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 265 calories with 13g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 g extra firm tofu pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
- 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the tofu
Press tofu for at least 15 minutes. Cut into bite sized cubes and toss with cornstarch until all sides are evenly coated. This step is critical for achieving a crispy exterior.
Step 2: Pan-fry the tofu
Heat neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and fry undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side until all faces are golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Mix the sesame sauce
In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, tahini, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of water to loosen if the sauce seems too thick.
Step 4: Combine and glaze
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the sesame sauce over the crispy tofu in the skillet. Toss gently and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to every piece.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice with steamed broccoli or bok choy on the side.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- tahini → smooth peanut butter for a nuttier flavor
- honey → maple syrup or agave for a fully vegan version
- fresh ginger → half a teaspoon of ground ginger
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the cornstarch coating which prevents the tofu from getting crispy in the pan
- Moving the tofu too frequently while frying which stops it from forming a golden crust
- Using low-fat or silken tofu which will fall apart during cooking
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 265 calories, 13g protein, 20g carbs, 15g fat, 2g fiber.
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