Sticky Sesame Tofu

This Sticky Sesame Tofu is the ultimate crispy, sweet, and savory tofu! Serve over fluffy rice with sliced scallions for a quick and easy takeout-inspired meal at home.

If you’re just beginning your journey into a plant-based diet, tofu recipes can be intimidating. But we’re here to set your mind at ease! Tofu is one of the most versatile ingredients and can be used to recreate several flavors and textures. 

We find it to be one of the best plant-based chicken substitutes – in addition to using it to make a vegan twist on sesame chicken, we’ve also used it to make Vegan Orange Chicken, General Tso’s Tofu, Lemongrass Tofu, Mapo Tofu, and more. So, after you master this method with Sesame Tofu, use it to recreate all of your favorite Chinese takeout recipes! 

Ingredients You’ll Need 

For the Tofu

• Extra-firm tofu: The best tofu for making crispy tofu is extra-firm tofu. Firm tofu may work, but take extra care to press the tofu well. 
• Olive oil: Helps the cornstarch stick to the tofu and adds a subtle richness to the flavor of the tofu.
• Cornstarch: Lightly coats the tofu and helps to make it crispy. 
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky flavor to the base tofu. 

For the Sesame Sauce

• Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami-packed flavor to the base of the sauce without overpowering it. If you are gluten-free, opt for tamari.
• Maple syrup: Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce with natural sweetness and helps make the sauce sticky. 
• Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that balances the sweet and salty flavors. If you don’t have rice vinegar, regular white vinegar is a good substitute. 
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the flavor of the sauce and subtle garlic flavor in the tofu.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick without making this sesame tofu overly spicy. Reduce or omit if sensitive to spice. 
• Cornstarch: A simple cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce and coat the tofu.

How to Make Sticky Sesame Tofu

1. Press the tofu. We recommend pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes using a tofu press, heavy book, or our favorite way to press tofu without a tofu press. 
2. Prep the tofu. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and gently toss the tofu until coated. Add the cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder. Mix again until coated. 
3. Bake or air fry. If baking, preheat the oven to 425 F. Arrange the tofu on a sheet pan in a single layer. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. If air frying, preheat the air fryer to 400 F. Arrange the tofu in a single layer and air fry for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through. 
4. Make the sticky sesame sauce. Combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, and water in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine. 
5. Simmer the sauce. Add the sauce to a large skillet over medium heat and let simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cornstarch slurry and mix together. Let simmer for another 1-2 minutes or until thickened. 
6. Coat the crispy tofu. Add the crispy tofu and stir through until all the tofu is coated evenly in sauce. Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame seeds and sesame oil. 
7. Serve. Enjoy while warm over fluffy rice with sliced scallions. 

Serving Suggestions

When served over rice with roasted vegetables, this tofu bowl can be served as a hearty stand-alone meal. However, if you want to pair with a few additional sides, we’d recommend Vegan Miso Soup, Spring Rolls, and light veggie salads like a Cucumber Salad. 

Storage Instructions

This sticky sesame tofu is best and crispiest when served fresh, but leftovers will keep for 1-2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer (for best crispiness) or microwave until warmed through. 

More Vegan Tofu Recipes You May Enjoy:

Dinner

Tofu Katsu

Dinner

Tofu Musubi

Dinner

Buffalo Tofu Sandwich with Homemade Ranch (Easy & Vegan)

Appetizers and Sides

Vegan Tofu Karaage

Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos! 

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