Sesame Black Pepper Crusted Tofu
Crispy, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying, Sesame Black Pepper Crusted Tofu is the ultimate plant-based dish that combines bold spices with nutty sesame perfection. This quick and easy recipe features firm tofu marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder, then coated in a crunchy black pepper and sesame seed crust for a rich depth of flavor. Pan-fried until golden and delectably crispy, each bite delivers a peppery heat balanced by the subtle nuttiness of sesame. Ready in just 30 minutes, this protein-packed dish is perfect as a main course served over rice or noodles, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Garnished with vibrant green onions and optional chili flakes, this tofu recipe is as visually stunning as it is delicious—ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 14 oz Firm tofu
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 3 tbsp Sesame seeds (white and/or black)
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 stalks Green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 0.5 tsp Chili flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Drain the tofu and press it for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Use a tofu press or place the tofu between plates with a heavy object on top.
Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder to create the marinade.
Place the tofu cubes in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Gently toss to coat. Let the tofu marinate for 10 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, combine black pepper, sesame seeds, and cornstarch. Mix well to create the crust mixture.
Remove the tofu from the marinade (reserving any excess marinade) and roll each cube in the sesame-black pepper mixture until fully coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the coated tofu cubes to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if needed, adding more oil as necessary.
Once all the tofu cubes are cooked, optionally drizzle the reserved marinade over the cooked tofu in the pan and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Remove from heat and transfer the tofu to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and chili flakes if desired.
Serve hot as a main dish with rice or noodles, or as an appetizer with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1084 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 86.2 g | 111% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.8 g | 59% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 31.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1235 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.7 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.7 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.8 g | ||
| Protein | 51.4 g | 103% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 941 mg | 72% | |
| Iron | 11.5 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 1032 mg | 22% | |
*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.
