Baked Miso Tofu with Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden-brown tofu baked in a savory miso glaze, finished with toasted sesame seeds for nutty depth. This japanese-inspired asian (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs white miso paste, rice vinegar, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 3 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a bowl until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Place 14 oz pressed and cubed tofu on the prepared baking sheet; pour the miso mixture over the tofu, gently coating each piece.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tofu is golden and edges are crisp.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp sesame seeds over the tofu and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Miso Tofu with Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Miso Tofu with Sesame?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep white miso paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Miso Tofu with Sesame?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Miso Tofu with Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Miso Tofu with Sesame vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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