Savor the perfect balance of crispiness and bold flavor with this Gluten-Free Pan-Fried Tofu with Savory Soy-Ginger Sauce—an irresistible dish that's as healthy as it is indulgent. Featuring golden-brown cubes of extra-firm tofu coated in a simple cornstarch crust, this recipe delivers a delightful crunch in every bite. The star of the dish is the luscious soy-ginger sauce, made with gluten-free tamari, fresh ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, a touch of maple syrup, and a hint of chili paste for a kick of heat. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining. Garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, it's a flavorful, protein-packed option that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or sautéed veggies. Whether you're gluten-free or just a fan of bold flavors, this Asian-inspired tofu recipe is sure to win you over!
Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top to press out excess water for at least 15 minutes.
Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Pat the cubes dry to remove any remaining moisture.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dredge each tofu cube in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook them until all sides are golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes in total.
While tofu is cooking, prepare the sauce by grating the ginger and mincing the garlic. In a small bowl, whisk together the gluten-free tamari (or soy sauce), ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sambal oelek, and sesame oil.
Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
In the same pan, wipe out any excess oil and pour in the sauce mixture. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the crispy tofu back into the pan, tossing gently to coat each piece with the sauce.
Transfer the tofu to a serving dish and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately as a main dish or as part of your favorite Asian-inspired meal.
Calories |
1265 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 93.0 g | 119% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.4 g | 67% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1079 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.9 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.4 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.9 g | ||
| Protein | 66.8 g | 134% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2751 mg | 212% | |
| Iron | 12.1 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 1220 mg | 26% | |
*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.