Grilled Sesame Tofu
Elevate your plant-based grilling game with this irresistible Grilled Sesame Tofu recipe! Combining hearty blocks of firm tofu with a bold marinade of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, and aromatic ginger and garlic, this dish is a true flavor explosion. The tofu is marinated to perfection, then grilled until golden with gorgeous charred marks, capturing a smoky essence that pairs beautifully with a sweet and tangy glaze. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, this protein-packed recipe is versatile enough to star as a main course served over rice or complement your favorite veggies as a satisfying side. Perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping, Grilled Sesame Tofu is a crowd-pleasing option for vegans and tofu skeptics alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 block (about 16 oz) firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon, freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or avocado oil)
Instructions
Press the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object (such as a skillet or a few cans) on top. Let it press for 15-20 minutes.
While the tofu is pressing, prepare the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
Once the tofu has been pressed, slice it into 8 equal rectangles or triangles, depending on your preference.
Place the tofu pieces in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the tofu, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator, flipping the tofu halfway through to ensure even absorption.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or grill pan with the neutral oil to prevent sticking.
Remove the tofu from the marinade and set the marinade aside for later use. Place the tofu pieces on the preheated grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the tofu is slightly crispy.
While the tofu is grilling, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. This will serve as a glaze.
Brush the grilled tofu with the thickened glaze and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.
Remove the tofu from the grill and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately as a main dish over rice or alongside grilled vegetables, or enjoy as a flavorful protein-packed side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
291 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.9 g | 27% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 452 mg | 20% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9.9 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.3 g | ||
| Protein | 19.5 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 788 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 348 mg | 7% | |
*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.
