Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Soy-Ginger Glaze
Golden pan-fried tofu cubes coated with a savory soy and ginger glaze, finished with toasted sesame seeds. This asian-inspired vegan (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 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, drained and pressed extra-firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 14 oz extra-firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glaze.
- Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the soy-ginger glaze. Cook for an additional 1 minute to heat through.
- Step 5: 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 Soy-Ginger Glaze 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 Soy-Ginger 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 Sesame Tofu with Soy-Ginger 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 Soy-Ginger 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 Soy-Ginger 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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