Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger Soy Glaze and Scallions
Crispy pan-fried tofu coated in a savory ginger soy glaze, garnished with thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds for a flavorful vegetarian entrée. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 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 320 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 1/2-inch cubes firm tofu
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 stalks thinly sliced scallions
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Press a 14 oz block of firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes with 1/4 cup cornstarch, coating evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 2 tbsp water. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Step 4: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently in the ginger soy glaze to coat evenly.
- Step 5: Transfer tofu to a serving dish, garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger Soy Glaze and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 and 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 cornstarch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger Soy Glaze and 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 Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger Soy Glaze and 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 Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger Soy Glaze and Scallions 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.
