Crispy Sesame-Glazed Tofu with Bok Choy
Golden, crunchy tofu coated in a sweet-savory sesame sauce and paired with tender-bright bok choy for a restaurant-quality vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs block extra-firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block extra-firm tofu
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 2 cups trimmed and chopped bok choy
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat tofu dry with paper towels, then toss with 2 tablespoons cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: Add remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil to the skillet. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Pour into skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add 1/2 cup chicken broth and 2 cups chopped bok choy. Cook for 3-4 minutes until bok choy is tender-crisp and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return crispy tofu to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 1 minute, then transfer to a plate. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 1/2 cup sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Sesame-Glazed Tofu with Bok Choy take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Crispy Sesame-Glazed Tofu with Bok Choy?
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 block extra-firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Sesame-Glazed Tofu with Bok Choy?
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 Crispy Sesame-Glazed Tofu with Bok Choy 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 Crispy Sesame-Glazed Tofu with Bok Choy gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
