Pan-Fried Asian Tofu with Sesame Soy Glaze
Crispy pan-fried tofu cubes glazed with a savory sesame soy sauce, perfect for a vegan-friendly Asian dish. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz extra firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes and toss gently with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add tofu cubes in a single layer and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully to achieve a golden crispy crust all over.
- Step 4: While tofu cooks, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger in a small bowl.
- Step 5: Once tofu is golden and crispy, reduce heat to medium and pour the soy glaze over the tofu, tossing gently to coat and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp sliced green onions before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Asian Tofu with Sesame Soy Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Pan-Fried Asian Tofu with Sesame Soy Glaze?
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 cornstarch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Asian Tofu with Sesame Soy Glaze?
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 Pan-Fried Asian Tofu with Sesame Soy Glaze 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 Pan-Fried Asian Tofu with Sesame Soy Glaze 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.
