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    Home » Main Courses

    Vegan Sesame Tofu

    Published: Mar 18, 2021 · Modified: Sep 3, 2022 by Larisha Bernard · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

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    This vegan sesame tofu is so flavorful, yet still simple to make. A perfect easy, vegan dinner idea.

    A bowl of vegan sesame tofu over rice with green onions and chopsticks on the side.

    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!

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    Crispy pieces of vegan sesame tofu and green onions.

    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.

    A white bowl of vegan sesame tofu over white rice with chopsticks.

    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.

    A serving bowl of vegan sesame tofu and rice.

    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.

    Chickpea, Cashew & Broccoli with Garlic Sauce Skillet with a spoon.

    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!

    a bowl of sesame tofu over rice with chopsticks.
    Print Recipe
    4.80 from 5 votes

    Vegan Sesame Tofu

    Vegan sesame tofu is so flavorful, yet still simple to make. A perfect easy, vegan dinner idea. Pair with rice and a vegetable to finish!
    Prep Time30 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Marinate4 hours hrs
    Total Time20 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 167kcal
    Author: Larisha Bernard

    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. 

    Notes

    **Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Does not include nutritional values for what you serve dish over (rice, quinoa, etc) 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 771mg | Potassium: 225mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe? 🌟Share So We Can See! @makeitdairyfree or tag #makeitdairyfree!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tajye Roberson

      September 05, 2022 at 7:58 pm

      This dish is so fire! I’ve made it about 10 times now! Just had the courage to to comment after the 10th time 😂😂😂

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        October 09, 2022 at 10:01 pm

        hahaha love it! We hope you keep enjoying it for 100 more times!

        Reply
    2. Brittany

      January 04, 2022 at 9:23 am

      5 stars
      Loved this! I was pleasantly surprised with how much this sauce tasted like something that you would get at a Chinese restaurant. I used the air fryer method and loved the texture that the tofu had. I will be adding this recipe to my regular rotation.

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        January 05, 2022 at 10:32 pm

        So glad that you enjoyed this recipe and the texture! Thanks for sharing

        Reply
    3. Deborah

      December 11, 2021 at 5:49 pm

      I am eating this as I type. It is amazing!! So delicious. I am a new vegan and I am really loving discovering new recipes and ideas. I love this! Thank you.

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        January 11, 2022 at 11:57 am

        So glad that you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    4. Rebekkah

      July 02, 2021 at 3:09 pm

      Hey, is there anything I can sub out the brown sugar to make the recipe sugar free?

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        January 11, 2022 at 11:57 am

        You can omit or use a sweetener that you can have

        Reply
    5. Ainsley R.

      March 24, 2021 at 4:10 am

      I can’t wait to try this! I am not normally a tofu person, but also just don’t know how to cook it correctly. I have the ingredients ready to go! I am new to the blog/Youtube, but I love it so far and can’t wait to try out some vegan cooking.
      Cheers!

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        April 14, 2021 at 1:36 pm

        We’re so happy that you are giving it a try! Thanks for the love

        Reply

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