Caramelized Garlic and Sesame Sheet Pan Tofu with Greens

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

Oven-roasted tofu cubes with a caramelized garlic sesame glaze paired with sautéed leafy greens for a wholesome vegan dish. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 35 minutes pairs soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger. Add 14 oz pressed extra-firm tofu cubes and gently toss to coat all sides.
  2. Step 2: Spread the tofu evenly on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25 minutes, flipping tofu cubes halfway through, until edges are golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: While tofu roasts, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 halved baby bok choy and sauté for 5-6 minutes until tender but still vibrant green. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
  4. Step 4: Remove tofu from oven and transfer to serving plates alongside sautéed bok choy. Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the tofu and greens before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caramelized Garlic and Sesame Sheet Pan Tofu with Greens take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Caramelized Garlic and Sesame Sheet Pan Tofu with Greens?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Garlic and Sesame Sheet Pan Tofu with Greens?

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 Caramelized Garlic and Sesame Sheet Pan Tofu with Greens for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Caramelized Garlic and Sesame Sheet Pan Tofu with Greens vegan?

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