Tofu is like a blank canvas. What starts as this beige and bland cube can be transformed into just about any shape or flavor you can imagine like tofu scramble, meat substitutes, and desserts. This sesame-crusted tofu recipe is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. It’s got a crispy outside and the dipping sauce is amazing!
The type of tofu used here is important. Tofu comes in many types but the ones you’ll most likely find in your local grocery store are extra-firm, firm, and silken. This sesame-crusted tofu recipe calls for extra firm tofu. Most of the moisture has been removed resulting in a dense, firm, and hearty texture. Perfect for grilling, baking, and frying.
Just as important as the type of tofu used is draining the tofu. You can buy a tofu press but another alternative is to place the tofu on a plate between a layer of paper towels and place a heavy object on top like a cast iron skillet. To shorten the press time cut the tofu into slabs before pressing. Let it sit for about 30 minutes but the longer you can let it drain the better for this recipe. If I can, I try to let mine drain for about 45 minutes to an hour.
While the tofu is draining start putting the tofu coating together. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, cornstarch, salt, Chinese Five Spice, and pepper. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the cilantro, scallions, garlic, and chili flakes. This bowl must be heatproof because you’re going to pour hot oil into the bowl and you don’t want the bowl to shatter.
Once the tofu slabs have drained cut the tofu into cubes. You can also cut the slabs into sticks if you prefer. Then coat all sides of the tofu in the sesame seed mixture. Depending on how long you let the tofu drain the outside may be dry. If it’s too dry you can dip the pieces in water just enough to get the outside wet before dredging in the sesame seed mixture so that the coating sticks.
Heat the canola oil in a large skillet, add the tofu pieces, and cook on each side until the tofu is golden brown.
Once the tofu is done heat a little more oil in the pan before pouring the hot oil into the bowl with the scallions. The hot oil is going to bring out the flavors of the scallions, cilantro, garlic, and chili flakes. Then stir in the soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar.
Now you’re ready to plate the tofu pieces and enjoy! Let me know in the comments how you liked this recipe.
Tips
- For a healthier alternative, you can air fry the tofu pieces. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- If you want to turn this into a full meal this goes great over rice with green beans or you can serve the tofu over a salad.
- Adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Sesame Crusted Tofu with Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 14oz. pkg. Extra firm tofu drained
- 1/3 cp. Sesame seeds
- 1/4 cp. Cornstarch
- 3/4 tsp. Salt
- 1/4 tsp. Chinese Five Spice
- 1/4 tsp. Pepper
- 1/4 cp. Cilantro chopped
- 2 Scallions chopped
- 2 tsp. Garlic minced
- 2 tsp. Crushed red pepper
- 4 tbsp. Neutral oil divided
- 2 tbsp. Soy sauce
- 1 tsp. Sugar
- 1/2 tbsp. Rice vinegar
Instructions
- Cut tofu in half and press to drain the liquid. About 30 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl whisk together the sesame seeds, cornstarch, salt, Chinese Five Spice, and pepper.
- In a heatproof bowl add the cilantro, scallions, garlic, and crushed red pepper.
- Slice the tofu into 1/2 in. cubes and coat with the sesame seed mixture. Make sure to coat all sides.
- Add 3 tbsp. of oil in a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot add the tofu and cook on each side until golden brown (about 4-5 min.). Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- Heat the remaining oil in the skillet and pour into the bowl with the cilantro mixture. Stir in the soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar.
- Enjoy!
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