Pan-Fried Tofu with Miso-Ginger Glaze and Sesame Greens

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

Golden pan-fried tofu glazed with a savory miso-ginger sauce, served alongside sautéed sesame spinach for a vibrant vegetarian meal. This Asian-inspired vegan recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs extra firm tofu, white miso paste, fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk together 2 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl until smooth; set miso-ginger glaze aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 14 oz pressed tofu slices and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Remove tofu and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 6 cups fresh spinach and 1/4 tsp black pepper, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, brush each piece generously with the miso-ginger glaze, and cook for 1-2 minutes more until glaze is warm and slightly sticky.
  6. Step 6: Plate tofu atop the sautéed spinach and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Miso-Ginger Glaze and Sesame Greens 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 Tofu with Miso-Ginger Glaze and Sesame Greens?

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 Tofu with Miso-Ginger Glaze and Sesame Greens?

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 Miso-Ginger Glaze and Sesame Greens for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Tofu with Miso-Ginger Glaze and Sesame Greens 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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