Sesame Tofu

This sesame tofu is crispy, chewy, and saucy! It’s baked until golden-brown perfection and tossed in a sticky marinade featuring sesame oil, ginger, and lime. Serve it on a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for a simple yet incredibly delicious meal.

🧡 Why you’ll love this recipe

• Crisp & tender: The tofu is baked to perfection before being tossed in the marinade, resulting in a crispy outside and tender inside.
• Vegan-friendly: Who needs sesame chicken when you can make an equally delicious plant-based feast using tofu?!
• Wholesome ingredients: With fresh ingredients like ginger, garlic, and lime, this meal is packed with essential vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy.
• Easy to prepare: This recipe is incredibly easy for home cooks to prepare. With a simple marinade and easy baking instructions, anyone can do it! 

If you love sesame tofu, you should really check out our pan-fried tofu, tofu marinade, vegan Spam, and kung pao tofu.

🫘 What is sesame tofu?

It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of tofu around here! Seriously, we eat it almost daily. It’s one of those ingredients that you can toss in just about any marinade and it will soak up the flavors like a sponge.

While we were crafting this sesame tofu recipe, we took inspiration from our many travels to Asia, where tofu has been a staple for centuries. It’s marinated in a mixture of sesame oil, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, liquid aminos, and a few other seasonings, then tossed in cornstarch and baked until crispy.

While it’s baking, the marinade gets reduced on the stovetop to toss the cooked tofu in. The result is a savory, sticky, and slightly sweet masterpiece.

It’s super easy to throw on rice, mix in a stir-fry, or eat on its own. Whatever you choose, sesame tofu is sure to become a new favorite in your weekly rotation.

🛒 Ingredients & substitutions

• Sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma. Use 100% pure sesame oil for the best results. You can also replace it with light olive oil for a milder flavor.
• Liquid aminos: Adds a bold, savory, umami touch. You can also use tamari, soy sauce, or coconut aminos as alternatives.
• Rice vinegar: Brings a tangy kick to the marinade. The next best substitutes are white wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar if you’re in a pinch.
• Maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness to balance the tang and spice of the other ingredients. Agave or brown rice syrup make good replacements.
• Garlic & ginger: Both add spicy and aromatic undertones. If you don’t have fresh ginger and garlic, their powdered forms will work. Just reduce the overall amount.
• Lime juice: Imparts a refreshing, citrusy note. Lemon juice works too.
• Sriracha: Delivers a spicy punch. If you’re sensitive to spice, omit this. If you prefer extra spice, use more Sriracha or sambal oelek.
• Tahini: We love to add a touch of tahini to lend a creamy texture and subtle nuttiness. If you don’t have tahini, try cashew or sunflower butter.
• Tofu: Opt for firm or extra-firm varieties, and don’t forget to press your tofu for the best results! You can also try tempeh in place of tofu.
• Cornstarch: To toss the tofu cubes in, helping form a crisp exterior. Arrowroot powder or potato starch will also work, but cornstarch is our preferred choice.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 How to make sesame tofu

Step 1: Press the tofu

Drain the tofu, then wrap it in a clean tea towel. Place it between two flat surfaces with a heavy object (like a cast-iron skillet or a can) on top to help remove excess water, which helps the tofu absorb the marinade better.

Step 2: Prepare the marinade

In a large container, whisk together the tofu marinade ingredients, ensuring the container is spacious enough to accommodate the tofu. Allow the tofu to marinate for a few minutes while you prep the cornstarch coating.

Step 3: Toss the tofu

Once marinated, transfer each tofu cube into a separate container or freezer bag with the cornstarch, draining the excess marinade. Toss the tofu until each piece is uniformly coated, which will help it crisp evenly in the oven.

Step 4: Bake the cubes

Arrange the tofu cubes on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400F for 25-30 minutes. To ensure even cooking, turn the tofu halfway through. The end result should be golden-brown, crispy tofu cubes!

Step 5: Final steps

While the tofu is in the oven, pour the remaining marinade into a frying pan and heat the mixture over medium until it thickens. Toss the baked cubes in the reduced marinade, then serve the tofu with rice, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.

If you have questions about this sesame tofu recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🥗 How to use sesame tofu

Sesame tofu isn’t just a standalone meal! It can be the perfect protein-packed addition to a variety of dishes. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

• Wraps: Add a crunch to your wraps by layering in sesame tofu. Combine it with fresh veggies for a satisfying meal on-the-go.
• Salads: Elevate your green salads by topping them with cubed sesame tofu.
• Buddha bowls: Create a Buddha bowl with grains, veggies, and a generous serving of sesame tofu. Drizzle on your favorite sauce for a well-balanced meal.
• Stir-fry: Incorporate sesame tofu into your next stir-fry, and serve it over rice.
• Sandwiches: Swap out traditional proteins for sesame tofu in your sandwiches. It pairs well with spicy mayo or a tangy vinaigrette.
• Rice or noodle bowls: Use the tofu as the primary protein in a rice or noodle bowl, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
• Tacos: Go for a fusion twist by filling tacos with sesame tofu, avocado slices, and pickled veggies to add a zesty crunch.

🌡️ Storage & reheating

If you have any leftover sesame tofu, follow these simple storage tips: 

• Fridge: Once cooled, store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: We don’t recommend freezing sesame tofu once it’s coated and cooked. The texture will change too much once it’s thawed.
• Reheating: Warm the tofu in a skillet over medium-low. If you have an air fryer, we suggest using that to achieve a nice crisp without the need for extra oil.
• Prep ahead: The marinade can be mixed up to 3 days in advance, and you can marinate the tofu overnight to save time on the day of cooking. 

♻️ Variations

• Ultra-spicy: Use extra Sriracha or red pepper flakes if you prefer more spice.
• Peanut: Add some runny peanut butter into the marinade for a nutty element.
• Citrusy: Incorporate a dash of orange zest and juice for a citrus twist.
• Herbaceous: Garnish your sesame tofu with fresh cilantro or basil.
• Nuts: Toss in roasted cashews or almonds to add a little crunch.
• Grilled: Instead of baking, try grilling the tofu for a smokier flavor.
• Teriyaki: Replace the marinade with vegan teriyaki sauce for a Japanese twist.

🧑‍🍳 Top tips

• Press well: Well-pressed tofu is key to achieving the perfect texture. Either use a tofu press or a cast-iron pan for at least 15 minutes to remove most of the water.
• Cornstarch coating: Don’t skip the cornstarch! It’s crucial for a crispy exterior.
• Rotate: Turn the tofu pieces halfway during baking to ensure an even crispiness.
• Watch the marinade: While you’re reducing the marinade, don’t step too far away to make sure it doesn’t burn.

💬 FAQ

🍴 More tofu recipes

If you enjoyed this sesame tofu recipe, don’t forget to check out more of our popular tofu recipes: 

• Vegan Feta: A plant-based take on traditional feta.
• Teriyaki Tofu: Sweet, savory, and bold flavors.
• Tofu Buddha Bowl: A tofu grain bowl with a rich, creamy dressing.
• Vegan Butter Chicken: Rich, creamy, and comforting plant-based Indian food.

Note: We’ve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.