Miso-Caramelized Tofu with Ginger Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Silken tofu glazed in a umami-rich miso-caramel sauce, topped with fresh ginger and scallions for a vibrant side. This japanese-inspired vegetarian (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs block firm tofu, white miso paste, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Japanese cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press tofu between paper towels for 15 minutes to remove excess water. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp white miso paste, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp grated ginger until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3 minutes per side until golden, turning carefully with a spatula.
  4. Step 4: Pour the miso glaze over tofu, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring gently, until sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Slice 4 scallions into 1-inch pieces (reserve green tops). Add to the skillet during the last 2 minutes of cooking to warm through.
  6. Step 6: Transfer tofu to a serving dish, sprinkle with reserved scallion greens and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Caramelized Tofu with Ginger Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Miso-Caramelized Tofu with Ginger Scallions?

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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Caramelized Tofu with Ginger Scallions?

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 Miso-Caramelized Tofu with Ginger Scallions 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 Miso-Caramelized Tofu with Ginger Scallions vegan?

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

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