Miso-Glazed Tofu with Sesame and Sesame Oil

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

Tofu caramelized in a savory miso glaze until deeply golden, finished with toasted sesame seeds for nutty depth. This Asian-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs firm tofu, white miso paste, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk miso paste, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, and water in a bowl until smooth. Pour over tofu cubes in a shallow dish and toss to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes, turning tofu once.
  3. Step 3: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until edges brown.
  4. Step 4: Flip tofu and cook for 4 minutes more, spooning glaze over top until it bubbles and thickens into a glossy coating.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Glazed Tofu with Sesame and Sesame Oil 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 Miso-Glazed Tofu with Sesame and Sesame Oil?

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 Miso-Glazed Tofu with Sesame and Sesame Oil?

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-Glazed Tofu with Sesame and Sesame Oil 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 Miso-Glazed Tofu with Sesame and Sesame Oil?

Asian 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.

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