Better Than Takeout Sesame Tofu
Craving takeout but want a healthier, homemade twist? This "Better Than Takeout Sesame Tofu" recipe delivers all the bold, savory-sweet flavors you love in a fraction of the time! Perfectly crispy, golden tofu is pan-fried to perfection, then tossed in a luscious sesame sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin, toasted sesame oil, and aromatic garlic and ginger. The sauce thickens to a silky gloss, perfectly coating each bite of tofu for an irresistible texture and flavor. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, this quick and easy recipe pairs beautifully with steamed rice for a satisfying plant-based meal. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a delicious vegan alternative that tastes better than your favorite takeout restaurant!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 ounces) firm tofu
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Press the tofu: Drain the tofu and press it between two plates or tofu press for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
Coat the tofu: Place the tofu in a bowl and sprinkle with 4 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
Heat the oil: Heat 3 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the tofu: Add the tofu cubes to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Fry the tofu for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove the tofu and set it on a plate lined with paper towels.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, water, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
Thicken the sauce: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil over medium heat. Add the sauce mixture and cook for 2 minutes. In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the sauce while stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine the tofu and sauce: Add the cooked tofu to the saucepan with the thickened sauce. Stir gently to coat the tofu pieces evenly.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the tofu and stir again. Serve immediately over steamed rice, and garnish with green onions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
439 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.0 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 78 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.9 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.3 g | ||
| Protein | 43.5 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 635 mg | 49% | |
| Iron | 6.2 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 635 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
