Pan-Fried Tofu with Miso-Sesame Glaze and Scallions
Golden pan-fried tofu coated in a savory miso and sesame glaze, topped with fresh scallions for a satisfying vegetarian dish. This japanese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs white miso paste, sesame 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, pressed and sliced into 1/2-inch slabs firm tofu
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1, minced garlic clove
- 3, thinly sliced fresh scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu slabs (pressed and sliced 1/2-inch thick) and pan-fry for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth.
- Step 3: Return the skillet to medium heat and pour the miso glaze into the pan, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add the tofu back to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the glaze, cooking for another 1 minute.
- Step 5: Transfer tofu to a serving plate and sprinkle with 3 thinly sliced fresh scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Miso-Sesame 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 Tofu with Miso-Sesame 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 white miso paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu with Miso-Sesame 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 Tofu with Miso-Sesame 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 Tofu with Miso-Sesame 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.
