Sesame Seed Baked Tofu
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this Sesame Seed Baked Tofu recipe—a perfect balance of crispiness, flavor, and simplicity. Featuring extra-firm tofu marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, this tofu is tossed in a crunchy sesame seed and cornstarch coating before being baked to golden perfection. The addition of a thickened marinade drizzle ensures every bite bursts with bold, umami-rich flavors, complemented by optional green onion garnish for a fresh finish. This versatile dish is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for vegans and vegetarians (with a maple syrup option) or anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, protein-packed meal. Serve it as a star entrée, atop rice or noodles, or add it to a colorful stir-fry for a nutritious twist. Ready in just 40 minutes, this baked tofu recipe is the perfect combination of crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-easy!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Press the tofu to remove excess liquid. Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, place it on a plate, and set a heavy object (like a skillet) on top. Let it press for about 10 minutes.
Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and gently toss to coat. Let the tofu marinate for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even coating.
In a small bowl, mix the sesame seeds and cornstarch. Remove the tofu cubes from the marinade (reserving the marinade) and gently toss them in the sesame seed and cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.
Place the coated tofu cubes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other.
Bake the tofu for 25-30 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through to ensure even browning. The tofu should be golden and crispy on the edges.
While the tofu is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.
Once the tofu is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle with the thickened marinade. Sprinkle with chopped green onions (if using) and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
991 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 60.9 g | 78% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.0 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1806 mg | 79% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.1 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.3 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.8 g | ||
| Protein | 72.4 g | 145% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2766 mg | 213% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 1300 mg | 28% | |
*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.
