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 family really enjoyed this. I may try the air fryer method to see if we can get a little more crunch next time. While we aren’t vegan I do try to incorporate more variety, including plant based, and this definitely hit the mark on Asian flavors. My husband remarked that this was still better than takeaway and he was very skeptical 🙂 Excited to continue to introduce more from your site/YT channel.
Glad you enjoyed!
Wow, love it! I think this is the first time that tofu has tasted soooo good to me! Thanks a lot for this recipe!
Yay! So happy to hear that
This dish is so fire! I’ve made it about 10 times now! Just had the courage to to comment after the 10th time 😂😂😂
hahaha love it! We hope you keep enjoying it for 100 more times!
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.
So glad that you enjoyed this recipe and the texture! Thanks for sharing
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.
So glad that you enjoyed it!
Hey, is there anything I can sub out the brown sugar to make the recipe sugar free?
You can omit or use a sweetener that you can have
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!
We’re so happy that you are giving it a try! Thanks for the love