Miso-Glazed Tofu with Sesame Seeds

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

Silky tofu coated in a savory-sweet miso glaze, finished with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch that balances the umami depth. This japanese-inspired vegan (gluten-free, high-protein) ready in about 52 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 180 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: 25 min Cook: 27 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess water. Cut into 1-inch cubes and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 2 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a bowl until smooth. Brush mixture evenly over tofu cubes.
  3. Step 3: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are golden and glaze is sticky. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and bake 2 more minutes until seeds are toasted.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Glazed Tofu with Sesame Seeds take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (25 min prep + 27 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 Seeds?

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 Seeds?

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 Seeds 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 Miso-Glazed Tofu with Sesame Seeds gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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