This sesame garlic tofu is one of those recipes for a quick high protein. meatless dinner. It takes about 30 minutes and comes together with simple ingredients I almost always have on hand.
The tofu is crispy, the sauce is sticky and garlicky, and it's got just enough heat to keep things interesting.
I usually make a healthy vegan bowl, with some sauerkraut, couscous, quinoa or brown rice orzo and veggies. Use your favorite toppings, you can't go wrong with this!
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Ingredients
- Baked tofu - I like to prep my baked tofu ahead of time and keep it in the fridge-it makes meals like this a breeze. If you're in a rush, you can also pan-fry the tofu in a bit of oil until golden and crispy. Just make sure you're using extra firm tofu that's been pressed well.
- Jalapeño - I remove the seeds and white membrane to keep the heat mild. If you love spice, leave a few in! You can also swap for chili paste if that's what you have.
- Red onion - Adds sweetness and color. I like using red for the contrast, but yellow or white onions work too.
- Garlic - Always fresh, it makes all the difference. I always use more than I think I need because it's just that good here!
- Soy sauce - I usually go with low-sodium so I can control the saltiness. Tamari works if you need it gluten-free.
- Honey - A touch of sweetness helps mellow the spice and round out the garlic. Use agave or maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Red chili flakes - I love the heat, but feel free to dial it back (or skip it entirely) if you're cooking for kids.
- Cornstarch - Helps the sauce thicken and stick to the tofu. You only need a little, but it makes a huge difference. Arrowroot or tapioca starch work too.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Garlic Tofu
- Cook the tofu: Use baked tofu or pan-fry extra firm tofu in a bit of oil until golden and crispy. Set aside.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, honey (or agave), red chili flakes, vinegar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add diced red onion and jalapeño. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the sauce: Pour the sauce into the skillet and let it bubble for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens.
- Toss in the tofu: Add the tofu and gently stir to coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for another minute to soak in the flavor.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm over rice, noodles, salad, or veggies. That night I served them with fermented red cabbage, radishes, mixed salad, hot peppers and lots of green onions.
Tips
- Press your tofu - I know it's tempting to skip this step, but trust me-it's worth it. The drier your tofu, the crispier it gets.
- Don't skip the cornstarch - It gives the tofu that nice golden crust and helps the sauce cling better.
- Use extra-firm tofu - Anything softer will fall apart in the pan. I've learned this the hard way!
- Pan-fried vs. baked - I bake tofu when I'm meal-prepping or don't want to babysit the stove. But if I'm in a rush or craving that crispy outside, I go for a quick pan-fry.
- Double the sauce - If you're a sauce-lover like me, go ahead and double it. It's great over rice or veggies and soaks in beautifully.
- Don't overcook the garlic - Garlic burns fast and turns bitter. I watch it closely and add it just after the onions are soft.
- Switch up the veggies - I sometimes throw in chopped broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas if I have them around. It turns this into a full meal in one pan.
Storing Leftovers
- To Store. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.
- Meal Prep Friendly. You can make the tofu and sauce ahead of time. Keep them separate and just reheat and combine when you're ready.
More Tofu Ideas
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Recipe Card
Sesame Garlic Tofu
This sesame garlic tofu is crispy, sticky, and finger-lickin' good-perfect for a quick, healthy dinner that's big on flavor and easy enough for weeknights.
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the tofu: Prepare baked tofu ahead of time (you can use this baked tofu recipe!) or pan-fry it in a bit of oil until golden and crisp. Set aside.1 recipe baked tofu
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, stir together all the sauce ingredients and set aside.½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup water, 2 teaspoon honey, 1 ½ teaspoon red chili flakes, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and jalapeños. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.½ cup red onion, 3 teaspoon garlic, oil for cooking, 1 small jalapeno
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant-don't let it burn!
- Add the sauce: Pour the sauce into the skillet. Let it bubble and cook for a minute or two, until it thickens slightly.
- Toss in the tofu: Add the cooked tofu to the pan. Stir to coat every piece in the sauce and let it simmer for another minute.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve warm over rice, noodles, or a veggie stir fry. Enjoy!green onions
Nutrition
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