Nut-Free Sesame Tofu
Discover the perfect blend of flavors with this Nut-Free Sesame Tofu recipe—a delightful twist on a classic Asian-inspired dish that’s both allergen-friendly and irresistibly delicious. Featuring crispy, golden-brown tofu cubes coated in a rich and tangy sesame sauce made with a medley of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, fresh garlic, and ginger, this recipe packs plenty of umami without the use of nuts. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Garnished with scallions and sesame seeds, this dish is best served alongside steamed rice or stir-fried veggies for a wholesome, satisfying meal. It’s a go-to option for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone seeking a nut-free alternative with bold flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 14 ounces extra firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 inch ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 scallions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
Press the tofu: Remove tofu from packaging and drain excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place it on a dish. Put a heavy object on top, like a skillet, to press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
Cut the tofu: After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
Coat the tofu: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch and the water to form a smooth slurry. Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss until all cubes are coated with the slurry mixture.
Cook the tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated tofu cubes to the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
Add the sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low, pour the prepared sauce over the tofu in the skillet, and gently stir to coat the tofu evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the tofu is well-coated.
Final touches: Slice scallions thinly and sprinkle over the tofu along with sesame seeds. Stir gently to combine everything.
Serve: Transfer the sesame tofu to a serving dish and enjoy while hot, ideally paired with steamed rice or your favorite vegetable stir-fry.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1313 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 93.8 g | 120% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 30.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1575 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.2 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.4 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.9 g | ||
| Protein | 71.2 g | 142% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2752 mg | 212% | |
| Iron | 13.4 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 1128 mg | 24% | |
*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.
