This vegan sesame tofu is so flavorful, yet still simple to make. A perfect easy, vegan dinner idea.
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We used to swear we didn’t like the texture of tofu. However, we realized one day that we just didn’t know how to cook it properly to our preference. This easy vegan sesame tofu will have you fall in love with tofu if you weren’t already before.
This particular dish uses the freezing method so that you have the absolutely best texture. Eat it on its own, put it into a rice bowl, or use it in wraps. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF TOFU TO USE?
We prefer extra firm for this recipe and would highly recommend using that.
This recipe will also work if it’s just firm tofu. We do not advise using silken or soft tofu for this recipe.
HOW DO I PRESS OUT TOFU?
The easiest way to press out tofu is to use a tofu press. We use this tofu press because it’s easy to use and works great.
However, if you don’t have a tofu press then you could wrap the block of tofu in a kitchen towel, place it on a plate, and then put something heavy on top like a cast iron skillet.
DO I HAVE TO USE SOY SAUCE?
You can easily swap with coconut aminos. You can also use tamari sauce if you need something gluten free.
CAN I MAKE THIS TOP 8 ALLERGY FRIENDLY?
This dish is tofu based, so soy is something that is included as the main component.
However, you could make our the sauce and pair it with cauliflower, chickpeas, or broccoli. if you would like for it to be Top 8 Allergen free, if you swap for a no soy soy sauce.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately to remain crispy. However, you can continue to enjoy it for 2-3 days after making. If you want to make it crispy again, we recommend that you throw it into an air fryer for a few minutes.
Can I make this dish oil free?
A main part of the flavor in this sauce is the taste from the toasted sesame oil. While we highly recommend it and don’t recommend swapping, if you are adamant on an oil free dish, this you can swap with half the amount of vegetable stock.
CAN I AIR FRY THESE INSTEAD OF PAN FRY?
Yes! Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F. Let cook for 7-10 minutes or until desired crispiness. Do not overcrowd your air fryer with the pieces. Watch carefully as it’s easy to dry out tofu in an air fryer.
CAN I BAKE THESE INSTEAD OF PAN FRY?
Yes! Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place tofu onto a baking sheet and toss in the sauce. Spread out evenly. Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping every 7-8 minutes or until all sides are golden brown.
What are other vegan dinner ideas I would like?
If you like the flavors of this dish, then you will also love our chickpea, cashew and broccoli dish in garlic sauce skillet.
Other dishes that you may like are:
- Vegan Kung Pao Cauliflower
- Vegan Walnut Meat Cheese Fries
- Dairy Free Taco Casserole
- Vegan Italian Meatballs
- Dairy Free Alfredo
- Easy Dairy Free Spinach & Walnut Pesto
Pin this vegan garlic soy lime tofu for later!
🥳 Get the Full Recipe
Vegan Sesame Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 16oz package extra firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
- 5 tablespoon water, divided
- 4 tablespoon cornstarch, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce, (soy free substitution ideas in the post)
- ½ cup vegetable stock
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
Serve With (Optional)
- cooked rice, quinoa, noodles
- steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach
- more sesame seeds,
- green onions
Instructions
- *We recommend freezing your block of tofu completely first, then thawing and proceed with recipe.
- Press and drain tofu by either wrapping in a towel and placing a heavy bottomed pot on top for 30 minutes or using a tofu press to go faster.
- While waiting, add ground flax seed and 3 tablespoon of water to a small bowl. Stir together and set aside.
- Once tofu is pressed, slice in half and then into ½ inch cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, add flax mixture (flax egg), 2 tablespoon water, 3 tablespoon cornstarch, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir together. Add tofu cubes, and toss to coat evenly.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add tofu and cook 2-3 minutes on each sides until golden and slightly brown. *Air fryer and bake methods described in post above.
- While cooking, to a mixing bowl, add soy sauce, vegetable stock, garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ground ginger, and sesame seeds. Stir together
- Once tofu is done cooking, pour sauce mixture into skillet and stir to coat. Reduce heat and summer until sauce thickens. Remove from here.
- Remove from oven and serve over rice or other optional dish with green onions, broccoli and more sesame seeds.
My husband who tolerates my tofu meals really liked this one! I thought it was delicious!
Glad you both enjoyed!
Delicious and so easy to make.
Your IG videos are amazing, just like this recipe.
Thank you so much!!
Wow!!! So good! Like someone else said, this is the best method I’ve ever found to fix tofu! For me having another tofu recipe to add to my rotation is great! Thanks for the recipe. I will definitely be making this often. I can’t wait to share this with others!
Love that!