Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze and Sesame Seeds

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

Crispy pan-fried tofu cubes glazed in a savory garlic-soy sauce and garnished with toasted sesame seeds for a flavorful vegan entrée. This asian fusion-inspired vegan ready in about 40 minutes pairs block extra firm tofu, cornstarch, neutral oil (canola or vegetable) 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz extra firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Toss the tofu cubes gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch in a bowl to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  6. Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the garlic-soy glaze.
  7. Step 7: Transfer tofu to a serving dish and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp chopped green onions. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze and Sesame Seeds take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze and 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 block extra firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze and 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 Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze and Sesame Seeds 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.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze and Sesame Seeds?

Asian Fusion vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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