Pan-Fried Tofu with Soy-Ginger Glaze and Sesame

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-01 · Updated 2026-05-01

Golden pan-fried tofu cubes coated in a glossy soy and ginger glaze, finished with toasted sesame seeds for a simple vegan entrée. This Asian-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 25 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 250 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 (1 block) firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 stalks green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 14 oz firm tofu and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Step 3: Add tofu cubes to the skillet in a single layer and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully, until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp water, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
5. Step 5: Pour the soy-ginger mixture into the skillet and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Step 6: Return the tofu cubes to the skillet and toss gently to coat them evenly with the glaze.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions over the tofu before serving.