Baked Sesame Tofu Nuggets with Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce
Crispy baked tofu nuggets coated in toasted sesame seeds and served alongside a sweet and savory soy dipping sauce perfect for snacking or kids’ lunches. This asian fusion-inspired vegan ready in about 50 minutes blends block extra-firm tofu, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block extra-firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp, sliced scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drain and press 14 oz extra-firm tofu for 15 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Toss tofu cubes in the marinade for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Place 1/4 cup cornstarch on a plate and 1/3 cup toasted sesame seeds on another plate. Dredge each marinated tofu cube first in cornstarch, shaking off excess, then press into sesame seeds to coat completely. Arrange on the baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake tofu nuggets for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Garnish with 2 tbsp sliced scallions and serve with extra soy sauce for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Sesame Tofu Nuggets with Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Sesame Tofu Nuggets with Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Sesame Tofu Nuggets with Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce?
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 Sesame Tofu Nuggets with Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce 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.
What goes well with Baked Sesame Tofu Nuggets with Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce?
Asian Fusion vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
