I recently prepared a garlic sesame tofu dish that is now one of my favorite weeknight meals. Crispy extra-firm tofu is coated in sesame oil, tamari, ginger, and garlic. It has earned its spot among Tasty Vegetarian Recipes, offering a satisfying blend of bold, distinctive flavors that keep me coming back for more.

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I’ve been experimenting with new ways to prepare tofu and I think this Crispy Baked Sesame Tofu is gonna be a game changer for your weeknight dinners. I start with a 14 oz block of extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, then I coat it in 1/4 cup of cornstarch and toss it with 2 tbsp of sesame oil.

Next, I mix together 3 garlic cloves minced with 3 tbsp of tamari, 2 tbsp of rice vinegar, 1 tbsp of maple syrup, and 1 tsp of freshly grated ginger, with a dash of 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Once baked, I sprinkle on 2 tbsp of toasted sesame seeds, and finish with a few green onions for garnish.

This recipe is perfect if you’re after a healthy, quick vegan dinner that packs a punch and is just downright delicious. Trust me, you’re gonna love how easy and tasty this dish is.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it makes my weeknights so much easier. I mean, its super simple to prep and bake so I can whip it up quickly when I dont have a lot of time. The tofu gets amazingly crispy and I love that satisfying crunch in every bite. The sauce is another huge win for me – it has this great mix of sweet, tangy, garlicy flavor with a little spicy kick that makes it really addicting. Plus, its vegan and gluten free which makes it a guilt free treat when i wanna enjoy something tasty without worrying about my diet.

Ingredients

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Tofu gives a solid hit of plant protein and minerals, its hearty and tasty for every bite.
Sesame oil brings a nutty flavor and healthy fats, enhancing the crisp coating.
Cornstarch helps the marinade stick and forms a crunch, its super simple to use.
Tamari offers a savory, salty kick while keeping the dish gluten free and full of depth.
Maple syrup lightly sweetens the tofu, balancing the acid and spice in every bite.
Garlic adds a punch of flavor and offers heart healthy benefits, its a classic touch.
Rice vinegar delivers a sharp sour note that brightens the overall dish perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed

2 tbsp sesame oil

1/4 cup cornstarch

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 tbsp tamari (or gluten free soy sauce)

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp freshly grated ginger

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Meanwhile, make sure your tofu is pressed really well and then cut into cubes.

2. In a bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with 2 tbsp of sesame oil until each piece is covered.

3. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of cornstarch over the tofu and mix it in so all the cubes get an even, light coating.

4. Spread the tofu in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet so they can bake evenly without touching each other.

5. Bake the tofu for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they become golden and crispy.

6. While the tofu is baking, mix in a small bowl the 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp of tamari, 2 tbsp of rice vinegar, 1 tbsp of maple syrup, 1 tsp of freshly grated ginger, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes if you like it a little spicy.

7. Once the tofu is done and crispy, take it out of the oven and pour the sauce mixture over it; toss gently so all the tofu gets yummy coated.

8. Return the tofu to the oven for an extra 5 minutes so the sauce can set and get a bit sticky.

9. Remove the tofu from the oven and sprinkle 2 tbsp of toasted sesame seeds over it along with the chopped green onion for a fresh garnish.

10. Serve your Crispy Baked Sesame Tofu immediately and enjoy it with rice or your favorite stir-fry veggies. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Tofu press or heavy object (plus a clean towel and plate to properly press the tofu)
5. Knife and cutting board
6. One large mixing bowl for the tofu and one small bowl for the sauce
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Spatula or tongs for tossing and flipping the tofu

FAQ

Q: How do I press my tofu properly?

A: It's pretty simple, just wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place something heavy like a cast iron skillet on top. Let it sit for at least 20-30 minutes so as much water can drain out.

Q: Can I use firm tofu if I dont have extra-firm?

A: Yeah, you can use firm tofu as a substitute but it might not hold its shape as well and may release more water during cooking.

Q: Why do we coat the tofu in cornstarch?

A: The cornstarch is key for that super crispy texture. It helps form a light crust when baked, so you get that crunch in every bite.

Q: Can I adjust the spice level?

A: Absolutely, if youre not a fan of heat you can skip or reduce the red pepper flakes, or add a bit more if you like it extra spicy.

Q: What should I serve with the Crispy Baked Sesame Tofu?

A: It goes great with brown rice, stir-fried veggies, or even a fresh salad if youre looking for something lighter.

Crispy Baked Sesame Tofu Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Extra-firm tofu: Try using firm tofu or even tempeh if you can’t source extra-firm tofu, they’ll each give a different texture but still work well.
Sesame oil: If you dont have sesame oil, use peanut oil or canola oil with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to keep that nutty flavor.
Tamari: Coconut aminos work great as a substitute for tamari, especially if you’re sticking with a gluten free option.
Rice vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a good stand in for rice vinegar, just reduce slightly if you find it too tangy.
Maple syrup: Agave nectar or even a bit of honey (if you’re not vegan) can replace maple syrup, just adjust the amount if needed.

Pro Tips

1. Try pressing your tofu for longer than usual so it really soaks up the flavors and gets that extra crispy texture when baked, its super important.
2. Don’t be afraid to toss the tofu in the cornstarch a couple times to make sure every piece is evenly coated cause otherwise you might get some mushy spots.
3. If you like a more intense flavor, let the tofu sit in the sauce for a bit after the final bake, it’ll absorb more flavor and taste even better.
4. Keep an eye on your oven temp and adjust the cooking time if needed, cause every oven is different and you don’t want to burn the edges.
5. Adding a little extra garlic or ginger to the sauce can really kick up the flavor without messing up the balance, so feel free to experiment a bit.