Black Sesame Glazed Tofu with White Bean Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp tofu glazed with toasted black sesame seeds, served atop a vibrant salad of cannellini beans and cherry tomatoes. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs firm tofu, black sesame seeds, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press the 14 oz firm tofu by placing it on a paper towel-lined plate, covering with another towel, and weighting it with a heavy pan for 15 minutes; cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 2 tbsp black sesame seeds, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add tofu cubes and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown, then pour the glaze mixture over and cook for 2 more minutes until thickened and coating the tofu.
  4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine 15 oz drained cannellini beans, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion; whisk 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, then pour over and toss gently.
  5. Step 5: Serve the glazed tofu over the white bean salad, sprinkled with 2 tbsp chopped parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Black Sesame Glazed Tofu with White Bean Salad take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Black Sesame Glazed Tofu with White Bean Salad?

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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Black Sesame Glazed Tofu with White Bean Salad?

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 Black Sesame Glazed Tofu with White Bean Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Black Sesame Glazed Tofu with White Bean Salad vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, 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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