Print

Crispy Baked Sesame Tofu Recipe Perfect for Meal Prep

crispy baked sesame tofu - featured image

A golden-brown crust on tender tofu cubes, glistening with a sticky, savory sesame glaze. This healthy and versatile dish is perfect for meal prep or a quick, protein-packed meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 23 stalks green onions, sliced thin
  • Optional: chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain off excess liquid. Wrap it 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 15-20 minutes to remove moisture.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  3. Cube the tofu: Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
  4. Marinate the tofu: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Toss the tofu cubes in the marinade and let them sit for 10 minutes to soak up the flavors.
  5. Coat with cornstarch: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated tofu and gently toss until each cube is evenly coated.
  6. Bake: Spread the coated tofu cubes onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
  7. Prepare the sesame glaze: While the tofu bakes, mix together the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of water in a small bowl. Heat the mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat until it thickens slightly.
  8. Toss in the glaze: Remove the tofu from the oven and toss gently in the sesame glaze until fully coated.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving. Enjoy your crispy baked sesame tofu on its own or with rice and steamed vegetables.

Notes

[‘Press the tofu properly to remove excess moisture for a crispy texture.’, ‘Use cornstarch generously to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior.’, ‘Flip tofu halfway through baking for even crisping.’, ‘Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper air circulation.’, ‘Watch the glaze closely while cooking to prevent burning.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy tofu, sesame tofu, baked tofu, healthy meal prep, vegetarian recipe, plant-based protein, easy dinner, Asian-inspired recipe