Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze

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

Crisp tofu cubes pan-fried and coated in a savory ginger-soy glaze with toasted sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired vegetarian dish. This asian-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, cornstarch, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the tofu cubes in a single layer, frying for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  5. Step 5: Cook the sauce for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
  6. Step 6: Return the tofu to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece in the ginger-soy glaze.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions over the tofu before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger-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 Sesame Tofu with Ginger-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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger-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 Sesame Tofu with Ginger-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 Sesame Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze vegetarian?

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

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