Sesame Tofu

If you are looking for a restaurant style sesame tofu recipe, then you are in the right place. This mouthwatering tofu recipe is a treat. For more delicious tofu recipes, try General Tso Tofu, Baked Tofu Nuggets, or Tofu Scramble.

My daughter has been making a similar recipe tofu recipe lately, so I decided to share this simple yet delicious recipe that is perfect for beginners.

Like my Smothered Tofu Chicken and General Tso’s Tofu, this sesame tofu will be a huge hit with your family and friends.

FOR THE FULL LIST OF  INGREDIENTS, SCROLL TO SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END. BUT BEFORE YOU SCROLL CHECK IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE BLURB.

Originally published December 30th, 2018.

What Is Tofu Made Of?

Tofu is made from soybeans, like other products such as tempeh. But unlike tempeh, it is made from soy milk, not the whole soybean. In an oversimplified explanation, basically an agent is added to coagulate soy milk into a semi solid consistency, which is then pressed for varying lengths of time depending on the textural end result desired.

Tofu Nutrition Facts

Tofu is the superstar vegan food that everyone loves or loves to hate. It has earned itself a reputation, and rightfully so, because it is truly an amazing food. It lends itself to a variety of dishes, serving as a base for sauce, an egg substitute, a sandwich filling, a salad addition, and the list goes on. 

If you are wondering why vegans love to shove tofu in everything they can, here’s why: It’s a complete protein! When all of your skeptical family and friends ask you where you’ll get your protein from, you can now give them a one word answer. Of course, as we know, there are FAR more sources, but tofu is such a good one.

Tofu isn’t a one trick wonder, and is also a great source for many minerals. Some choices are calcium, copper, iron, selenium, and zinc. All this, with a modest amount of fat, in one versatile package.

The unassuming superstar ingredient does all this while being low in calorie, making it quite nutrient dense. All of these reasons, and more, are why you can always find a few blocks of tofu hidden away in my fridge.

Is Tofu Keto?

One serving of tofu has two grams of carbs, one of which is fiber. As aforementioned, it also has a very high protein content. This makes tofu a good base for a meal that will help you to stay full and keep full. With its nutritional content, tofu is a perfect food candidate for those on a keto diet.

Where To Find Tofu Near Me?

Tofu used to be something only found in expensive health food stores or Whole Foods, but not so much anymore. I have had great success finding tofu everywhere I go, even in small town grocery stores.

For the best selection, I do recommend chains such as Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, etc., specialty stores such as Whole Foods, and of course local markets and health food stores.

How To Prepare Tofu?

A big difference in your preparation process will depend on if you use extra-firm or super-firm tofu. With super-firm tofu, you will save yourself the task of having to squeeze the tofu beforehand.

However, it can be harder to find, or pricier. Near me, I can find super firm tofu at Publix, Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s, so check similar stores near you.

It is important to note that silken or firm tofu will not be suitable for this recipe. Silken tofu will practically turn to mush in your hands before you can even slice it, and instead lends itself to creamy sauces and desserts.

Firm tofu is still not quite what you’ll need, and will crumble to pieces when manhandled. It also has an undesirably soft texture when eaten, and is the reason why many people are scared to try tofu.

If you don’t have super-firm tofu then you will need to drain the tofu. Do this by wrapping the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing something heavy on top, such as pot or books, and let the tofu drain excess liquid for bout 20 minutes.

If you find that the firmest tofu available to you is still too soft for your liking, an old method of mine is to freeze it. When the tofu is frozen and defrosted, the texture becomes firmer and spongier.

Sesame Tofu Recipe

• Super or Extra Firm Tofu
• Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or Gluten Free Soy Sauce
• Cornstarch
• Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
• Oil for frying (Coconut, Olive, etc.)
• Vegetable Broth
• Maple Syrup
• Lemon Juice
• Toasted Sesame Oil
• Ginger
• Cayenne Pepper
• Sesame Seeds

How To Make Crispy Tofu and Sesame Sauce

1. To prepare the block of tofu, cut into cubes and place in a large bowl. Toss the cubes with Bragg’s liquid aminos or low sodium soy sauce. Allow the tofu cubes to marinate for about 20 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the sesame sauce.
2. To prepare the sauce, combine vegetable broth, maple syrup, Bragg’s liquid aminos, lemon juice, sesame oil, cornstarch, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a medium bowl, and stir to combine. Set aside.
3. Toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch and gluten-free flour until fully coated. Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry on both sides until the pieces are crisp and golden brown. 
4. Add the sesame sauce to the pan and gently stir to coat tofu cubes. Cook until the sauce becomes bubbly and thick. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

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