Sesame Garlic Tofu is baked until crisp, tossed in a savory garlic-soy sauce, and finished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Serve over Scallion Rice or Lo Mein Noodles.
A Weeknight Favorite
I like this recipe because it is genuinely simple to pull together on a busy night. The tofu goes in the oven; the sesame seeds get toasted while it bakes; the sauce comes together in minutes; and everything is ready at the same time. Minimal prep, one skillet, one baking sheet, and dinner is done.
Pressing the Tofu
This is the step that makes everything else work. Tofu holds a lot of water, and pressing it out before baking is what allows the exterior to crisp up rather than steam in the oven. Press for at least 20 minutes, then pat very well with paper towels before cutting. A tofu press is the most efficient tool for this.
Ingredients for Sesame Garlic Tofu
Here’s what you will need. Exact amounts are listed in the recipe card below.
- Extra Firm Tofu – Extra firm tofu gives the best results. Anything softer will not hold up during baking or when tossed in the sauce. Press for at least 20 minutes using a tofu press, then pat very well with paper towels before cutting.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce and coats the tofu before baking.
- Toasted Sesame Oil – Adds rich, nutty depth to the sauce. Toasted sesame oil is significantly more flavorful than regular sesame oil, and the difference is noticeable in the finished dish.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is essential here. It blooms quickly in the hot skillet and forms the aromatic base of the sauce.
- Ground Black Pepper – A simple seasoning that brings everything together.
- Soy Sauce – The base of the sauce. Tamari is a good gluten-free option.
- White Sesame Seeds – Toasted until lightly golden for a nutty crunch that finishes the dish.
- Green Onion – Adds a pop of freshness and bright color just before serving.
Make it Vegan: This recipe is already fully plant-based.
How to Make Sesame Garlic Tofu
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
STEP TWO: Coat and arrange. Toss the pressed and cubed tofu in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
STEP THREE: Bake. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each cube and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until light golden brown and crispy.
STEP FOUR: Toast the sesame seeds. While the tofu bakes, set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until just beginning to turn lightly golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Keep the skillet out.
STEP FIVE: Make the sauce. When the tofu is done, return the skillet to medium heat. Add the sesame oil and garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the soy sauce and black pepper and stir to combine.
STEP SIX: Toss and coat. Add the baked tofu to the skillet and toss until every piece is fully coated in the garlic soy sauce.
STEP SEVEN: Serve. Transfer to a serving plate, top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Question
Yes. Pressing removes excess moisture, which is what allows the tofu to crisp up properly in the oven. Press for at least 20 minutes and pat well with paper towels before cutting and coating.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the tofu in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore some crispness, or in a skillet over medium heat. Reheating in the microwave is not recommended since it can cause the tofu to lose its crispness.
More Tofu Recipes
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Sesame Garlic Tofu Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 (14-ounce) packages extra-firm tofu pressed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
- 1 cup green onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the pressed and cubed tofu in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each cube and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until light golden brown and crispy.
- While the tofu bakes, set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until just beginning to turn lightly golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Keep the skillet out.
- When the tofu is done, return the skillet to medium heat. Add the sesame oil and garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the soy sauce and black pepper and stir to combine.
- Add the baked tofu to the skillet and toss until every piece is fully coated in the garlic soy sauce.
- Transfer to a serving plate, top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion, and serve immediately.
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