Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Miso Glaze and Sesame Seeds
Golden pan-fried tofu cubes coated in a spicy miso glaze garnished with toasted sesame seeds for a flavorful vegan dish. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs neutral oil (canola or vegetable), white miso paste, 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 block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp Sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz block of firm tofu for at least 20 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes per side until all sides are golden and crispy.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 2 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp Sriracha sauce, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the miso glaze over the tofu in the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 2-3 minutes while gently turning tofu cubes to coat them evenly until the glaze thickens and sticks.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions over the tofu before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Miso 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 Spicy Miso 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 white miso paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Miso 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 Spicy Miso 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.
Is Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Miso Glaze and Sesame Seeds vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
