Are you on the hunt for a delicious, easy, and satisfying dish that will impress your family or guests? Look no further than this Honey Sesame Tofu. It’s a delightful combination of crispy tofu coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish for your next gathering. The best part? It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into why you’ll keep making it and how to get started.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
When you savor the first bite of Honey Sesame Tofu, you’ll understand why this dish becomes a staple in your kitchen. The tofu is first pan-fried to golden perfection, providing a satisfying crunch, while the honey sesame sauce brings a sweet and savory flavor that is irresistible. Not only is it delectable, but it’s also a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or even a fresh salad. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate plant-based protein into your meals.
What Goes Into Honey Sesame Tofu
To create this scrumptious Honey Sesame Tofu, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound extra-firm tofu
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- About 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or mild olive oil for frying
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger root
- 1 large garlic clove, peeled and minced or pressed through a garlic press
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, more if you like it spicier
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
- 4 scallions (green onions), chopped
Before You Start: Equipment
Before you begin cooking, gather the necessary equipment to make your experience smooth and enjoyable:
- Cutting Board: For chopping your tofu and scallions.
- Chef’s Knife: To cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
- Frying Pan or Skillet: For frying the tofu until crispy.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine the sauce ingredients.
- Spatula: For flipping the tofu while frying.
Honey Sesame Tofu — Do This Next
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s walk through the steps to create your own Honey Sesame Tofu.
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top, like a skillet, for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the tofu absorb the flavors later.
Step 2: Cut the Tofu
Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference. Aim for bite-sized pieces so they can soak up the sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Coat the Tofu
In a mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour. Toss the tofu pieces in the flour until they are evenly coated. This will create a crispy outer layer when fried.
Step 4: Fry the Tofu
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the flour-coated tofu pieces to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the tofu and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame seeds, toasted sesame oil, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and corn starch. Whisk until well combined.
Step 6: Combine Tofu and Sauce
In the same frying pan, lower the heat to medium. Pour the sauce over the fried tofu, stirring gently to coat each piece evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the tofu.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat, and sprinkle chopped scallions on top for a fresh finish. Serve the Honey Sesame Tofu over rice or alongside a vibrant salad.
Budget & Availability Swaps
If you’re looking to make some adjustments based on availability or budget, consider the following swaps:
- Tofu: You can use tempeh for a nuttier flavor or even seitan if you prefer a meatier texture.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a vegan alternative.
- Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works well if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari can be a great gluten-free option.
Watch Outs & How to Fix
While making Honey Sesame Tofu, here are some things to keep in mind to avoid common pitfalls:
- Burning the Tofu: Ensure that your oil is hot enough before adding the tofu, but not so hot that it burns. Adjust the heat as necessary.
- Too Much Sauce: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Soft Tofu: Make sure to use extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Soft tofu will not hold up well during frying.
Save It for Later
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! The Honey Sesame Tofu stores well. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
You can store the tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry it again in a pan or microwave until heated through. Note that the tofu may lose some crispiness upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delightful!
Honey Sesame Tofu Q&A
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure your all-purpose flour is gluten-free as well.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to toss in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
What can I serve with Honey Sesame Tofu?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it with noodles for a heartier meal.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce or add a drizzle of sriracha before serving.
If you loved making , here are some other delicious recipes to try:
Hungry for More?
There’s a world of flavors waiting for you to explore. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting or something adventurous, there’s always a new recipe around the corner. Keep experimenting in the kitchen, and don’t hesitate to put your own spin on dishes. Happy cooking!
Honey Sesame Tofu
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Tofu. Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top, like a skillet, for about 15-20 minutes.
- Step 2: Cut the Tofu. Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes or rectangles, aiming for bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3: Coat the Tofu. In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu pieces in flour until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Fry the Tofu. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the flour-coated tofu pieces and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Step 5: Make the Sauce. In a separate mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, toasted sesame oil, honey, red pepper flakes, and corn starch. Whisk until well combined.
- Step 6: Combine Tofu and Sauce. In the same frying pan, lower the heat to medium. Pour the sauce over the tofu, stirring gently to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Serve and Garnish. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped scallions on top. Serve over rice or alongside a salad.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan or microwave, but expect some loss of crispiness.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha.
