Sticky Sesame Tofu
Forget takeaway This PanFried Sticky Crispy Sesame Tofu recipe is ridiculously good Crispy tofu sticky sesame sauce a flavour explosion Get the secret to perfectly crispy tofu ... Vegetarian Delights
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Craving a Takeaway Treat?
Fancy a Friday night takeaway but without the guilt? Have you ever tried Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu? This recipe nails that classic Chinese-American flavour.
Honestly, it's like the best sesame tofu stir-fry you've ever had, but homemade.
A Whiff of the East, Made Easy
This Crispy sesame tofu recipe is inspired by those beloved Chinese takeaway flavours. It's not exactly authentic Chinese, but it's a tasty nod.
Ready in around 45 minutes, it's a medium-difficulty dish. It serves 2-3, perfect for sharing.
Why You'll Love This Tofu
The best part is how good it is for you, packed with protein. Pan Seared Tofu is also a winner because it tastes incredible and is totally vegan sesame tofu .
Forget ordering in – this is the easy sesame tofu recipe to impress your mates. You're basically making a healthy Chinese sesame tofu takeaway at home.
Let's Get Started
The magic starts with the tofu. You'll need some proper extra-firm stuff. The secret? Pressing it. I learned this the hard way.
You absolutely need to press the water out, or it won't crisp up in the pan. Seriously, don't skip that bit!
Sticky Sesame Tofu Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment for Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu
So, you want the best crispy tofu , eh? First, let's gather our bits and bobs! Honestly, the Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu recipe is straightforward.
You’ll need a few key bits. Don't worry; most are cupboard staples.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Here's what you need. Exact measurements are crucial, innit?
- Tofu: 1 block ( 14 ounces / 400g ) extra-firm tofu, pressed. Quality matters here. Get the extra-firm kind. We want Tofu Crispy .
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Canola or sunflower works a treat.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . This is key for that crispy coating.
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , toasted. Don't skip toasting! It brings out the flavour.
For the sauce, we're after that Sticky tofu with rice flavor.
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Tamari works for gluten-free folks.
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Honey/Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . For sweetness. Maple syrup makes it Vegan sesame tofu .
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Essential!
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
- Ground Ginger: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a kick.
- Water: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon , toasted.
- Green Onion: 1, thinly sliced.
Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boosters
These spices make or break the dish. Honestly, a good Sesame tofu stir-fry is all about that flavor combination .
- Soy sauce and sesame oil are your umami backbone. Don't skimp!
- Rice vinegar adds tang, balancing the sweetness.
- Garlic and ginger give warmth and depth. Play with the amounts to your taste.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes elevates it.
If you are missing something, you can usually swap honey/maple syrup with Agave. It still provides the stickiness of the dish.
Equipment You'll Need: Keep It Simple
Right, let's talk gear! For perfect Pan Seared Tofu , less is more.
- Tofu Press: Seriously, get one. It's a game-changer for crispy tofu. Or stack some heavy books on it.
- Large Skillet: Non-stick is preferred, but cast iron works too if you're careful.
- Small Bowl & Whisk: For the sauce.
- Spatula or Tongs: For flipping the tofu. We want that golden brown How To Cook Tofu Crispy .
See? Nothing too fancy. Just the basics to whip up some proper Chinese sesame tofu takeaway at home.
The "Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame" tofu will be delightful!
Cooking Method: Nailing that Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu!
Right then, let's chat about the best way to get that amazing Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame tofu we all crave.
Forget limp, sad tofu, we're aiming for something special, alright? We want that perfect balance of crispy outside and chewy inside, smothered in a sticky, savoury sauce.
Honestly, it’s easier than you think, even if you've never had Tofu Crispy before.
Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapon
First, mise en place is your best friend. Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. I cannot stress this enough.
I've tried winging it before and ended up with burnt garlic and a very sorry-looking sauce. Not ideal, is it? Pressing the tofu is absolutely essential for Best Crispy Tofu .
Wrap that block of tofu in some paper towels and weigh it down for at least 15 minutes . The drier the tofu, the crispier it gets! And please, watch those fingers!
The Step-by-Step for How To Cook Tofu Crispy
Okay, here's the magic:
- Press that tofu! Seriously, don't skip this.
- Chop the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- Toss the tofu with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Make sure it's evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the tofu in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan! Cook for about 5- 7 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Pour that yummy sesame sauce over the Pan Seared Tofu and cook for another 1- 2 minutes , stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and everything is nicely coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Pro Tips for Tofu Nirvana
Want to take your Crispy sesame tofu recipe up a notch? Toast the sesame seeds before sprinkling them on. Trust me, it makes a difference.
Also, don't be tempted to fiddle with the tofu too much while it's frying. Let it develop that lovely golden crust before you flip it.
One thing I do it for a Vegan sesame tofu version is to use maple syrup, instead of honey.
A common mistake? Overcrowding the pan. This lowers the temperature and results in soggy tofu. Cook it in batches if you need to.
Want to prep ahead? The sauce can be made a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge. I also like to serve my Sticky tofu with rice after a long day! It is as simple as it gets.
Forget Chinese sesame tofu takeaway , this is the new standard. This Easy sesame tofu recipe will soon become a family favorite.
So there you have it! That should cover how to get beautifully Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu . Get in the kitchen and have a crack at it!
Recipe Notes for the Best Crispy Tofu Ever!
Honestly, crafting this Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu recipe was a journey. A delicious journey, mind you, but still a journey.
I've tweaked and fiddled to get it just right, so here are a few notes to help you nail it, too.
Getting perfectly crispy tofu recipe is the goal, and these tips are your map!
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Sticky Tofu With Rice
Right, let's talk presentation. Pile that gorgeous Chinese sesame tofu takeaway dupe high on a bed of fluffy rice. Jasmine rice works a treat.
For a bit of colour and crunch, I like to chuck in some steamed broccoli or a simple side of stir-fried pak choi.
And don't forget that final flourish – a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds and a few finely sliced spring onions.
You know, make it Instagrammable! A nice cold beer pairs well too. A lager is a refreshing contrast with the savoury sweet sauce.
Storage Tips: Keeping That Tofu Crispy
Right, so How To Cook Tofu Crispy and then store it? That's the real trick. Real talk. This Vegan sesame tofu is best eaten fresh, as the Crispy sesame tofu loses its crispiness over time.
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . Store it in an airtight container though! When reheating, a dry pan works best, or even better, a quick blast in the air fryer.
Avoid the microwave unless you want a soggy bottom!
Variations: Pan Seared Tofu , Your Way
Fancy a change? No worries. For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari. If you're vegan, maple syrup makes a great substitute for honey.
Feeling spicy? Chuck a pinch more red pepper flakes into the sauce. Or, you know, a sneaky squirt of sriracha.
Easy sesame tofu , exactly how you want it.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite!
This Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu recipe is packed with protein, thanks to the tofu itself. You're also getting a good dose of healthy fats from the sesame oil and seeds.
Just be mindful of the soy sauce, as it can be high in sodium. And remember, using maple syrup instead of honey will lower the glycemic index a bit.
Each serving has approximately 350 calories .
There you have it! All you need to become a Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu pro. Now go forth and get cooking and enjoy a good Sesame tofu stir-fry ! You’ve got this!.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my tofu really crispy for this Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu? I've tried before and it was a bit sad.
Right then, getting that super-crisp tofu is all about the prep! Firstly, proper pressing is non-negotiable, think "squeezing out every last drop" to remove excess water. Secondly, don't be shy with the cornstarch - coat those cubes well. Finally, make sure your pan is hot and don't overcrowd it, working in batches if needed. Trust me, it's a game changer!
Can I make the sesame sauce for this Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the sauce ahead of time is a right good idea for streamlining the cooking process. Just whisk all the ingredients together and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a good whisk again before adding it to the tofu, as the cornstarch might settle a bit. Easy peasy!
I'm vegan, can I still make this Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! Simply swap the honey in the sauce for maple syrup or agave nectar. Job done! Double check your soy sauce or tamari is gluten-free if you need a gluten-free option, too.
How long does leftover Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu last, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. However, the tofu won't be as crispy as when it's freshly made, unfortunately, such is life!. To reheat, the best way is in a dry frying pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, though you can also microwave for speed.
I don't have any sesame seeds. Can I still make this Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu?
While the sesame seeds definitely add a nice flavour and visual appeal, you can still make the dish without them. It won't be quite the same, but still perfectly delicious. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or even some finely chopped peanuts for a bit of crunch.
Is this recipe healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown on this Pan-Fried Sticky & Crispy Sesame Tofu?
This dish can be part of a balanced diet, but it's good to be mindful of the sugar and sodium content in the sauce. Using tamari instead of soy sauce can reduce sodium. Also, using less honey or maple syrup can cut back on the sugar. Tofu itself is a good source of protein and iron, making it a better choice than some takeaways.